US applications for jobless benefits fall to 227,000 last week, remaining at recent healthy levels

Associated Press (AP)EN 2 min read 100% complete by By MATT OTTFebruary 12, 2026 at 02:53 PM

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US applications for unemployment benefits decreased to 227,000 last week, according to a Labor Department report released Thursday. This figure aligns with analysts' expectations and remains within the healthy range observed in recent years. While jobless claims indicate a stable job market, government data revisions revealed weaker job creation figures for the past two years. Despite January's surprisingly strong job gains and a low unemployment rate, several high-profile companies have announced layoffs. This, coupled with declining job openings, contributes to economic uncertainty stemming from factors like tariffs and past interest rate hikes, leaving economists divided on the labor market's future trajectory.