Continuing claims for unemployment benefits rose to the highest level since November 2021, indicating a slowdown in the labor market.
Recurring applications for jobless benefits increased by 37,000 to 1.97 million in the week ended June 14, as reported by the Labor Department.
Economists forecast a rise in the unemployment rate to 4.8% by December due to sluggish corporate hiring plans.
Federal Reserve officials have differing views on potential weakness in the job market, with some considering a quarter-point reduction in the main interest rate to sustain a healthy labor market.