Initial jobless claims in the U.S. decreased by 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 203,000 for the week ended August 22, the Labor Department reported on Thursday. The figure fell short of the 208,000 median estimate from economists surveyed by Reuters.
Claims have remained within a 189,000–230,000 range throughout the year, reflecting a tight labor market. The unemployment rate edged down to 4.1% in July, according to separate data. Continued claims, which track individuals receiving benefits after an initial week of aid, declined by 18,000 to 1.778 million for the week ended August 15. This period aligns with the reference week for the August nonfarm payrolls report.
Separately, the U.S. goods trade deficit widened to $118.8 billion in July, up from $101.4 billion in June, the Census Bureau reported. Exports fell 2.9% while imports rose 3.7%, contributing to the deficit expansion. The report follows President Donald Trump’s stated policy focus on reducing the trade imbalance through tariffs on imported goods.
