U.S. Jobless Claims Fall for Fifth Week

Washington, DC, July 17, 2025-Initial claims for unemployment benefits in the U.S. totaled 221,000 for the week ending July 12, a decrease of 7,000 from the previous week's revised level of 228,000, according to the Department of Labor. 

The four-week moving average fell to 229,500, down 6,250 from the previous week’s revised average of 235,750.

The insured unemployment rate remained steady at 1.3% for the week ending July 5. Seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rose slightly to 1,956,000, up 2,000 from the prior week's revised figure of 1,954,000. The four-week moving average for insured unemployment increased to 1,957,500-the highest level since November 20, 2021, when it reached 2,004,250.

Weekly jobless claims and unemployment insurance data are key indicators of labor market trends and economic momentum heading into the second half of 2025.