Jobless Claims Fall 1,000 in February, Less Than Expected (2-12, 2026)

The U.S. Department of Labor reported jobless claims for the week ended February 7 at 661,000, a 1,000 decline from the prior week. The four-week moving average, a key indicator of labor market strength, stood at 666,750, slightly above the 665,750 average in the prior four weeks and the 667,500 level economists had expected. The lower-than-anticipated average suggests continued softness in the labor market, with hiring likely remaining sluggish. The unemployment rate for February is scheduled to be released on February 28, 2026.