The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell last week, but sharp government spending cuts and an escalating trade war threaten labor market stability.
Read More US weekly jobless claims fall amid labor market stability
U.S. job openings dropped by the most in 14 months in December, but steady hiring and low layoffs suggested that the labor market was not abruptly slowing down.
Read More US job openings post biggest drop in 14 months
Firms reported boosting hiring, supporting the Federal Reserve’s cautious approach to cutting interest rates this year.
Read More US business activity at nine-month low in January; hiring accelerates
New orders for key U.S.-manufactured capital goods surged in November, offering more signs that the economy is on solid footing as the year ends.
Read More US core capital goods orders rebound as economy eyes strong end to 2024
More people continued to collect unemployment checks at the end of November relative to the beginning of the year as demand for labor cools.
Read More US weekly jobless claims unexpectedly rise
Consumer prices increased by the most in seven months, but that is unlikely to discourage the Federal Reserve from delivering a third consecutive interest rate cut next week.
Read More US consumer prices post largest gain in seven months; cost of rent subsides