Jobless Claims Decline For Third Straight Week, Showing Steady Labor Market -- MarketWatch

Initial jobless claims fell by 16,000 to 199,000 in the week ended Dec. 27, the Labor Department said Wednesday. It is the third straight weekly decline.

While claims are often volatile over the holiday period, economists say the recent low level of claims is a sign of relatively steady labor market conditions.

Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had estimated new claims would rise to 220,000 from the initial estimate last week of 214,000.

This is breaking news. Check back for updates.

-Greg Robb

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December 31, 2025 08:34 ET (13:34 GMT)

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