US Jobless Claims Rise to 199K, but Layoffs Remain Historically Low

NewsData.io · United States · Aug 6, 2026

Initial unemployment claims rose by 1,000 to 199,000 for the week ending August 1, remaining near historically healthy levels despite ongoing labor market caution. Hiring slowed sharply in June, with employers adding only 57,000 jobs — less than half the prior month's total — as tariffs, federal workforce reductions, and elevated interest rates continue to weigh on employer sentiment. The PCE inflation metric came in at 3.7% for June, well above the Fed's 2% target, keeping the possibility of rate hikes on the table. Major employers including Amazon, Walmart, Microsoft, and UPS have recently trimmed headcount, signaling continued restraint in hiring demand.