The U.S. labor market is in a "paralysis state" as initial jobless claims come in slightly below expectations

According to Odaily, the number of initial jobless claims in the United States rose moderately last week, indicating that although labor demand remains persistently weak, the scale of layoffs by the end of 2025 is still at a relatively low level. Due to seasonal adjustments related to the year-end holiday period, data has fluctuated in recent weeks, but overall, the number of layoffs remains low by historical standards. Uncertainty over tariffs and the proliferation of artificial intelligence have made employers hesitant to add staff, but there has not been a wave of mass layoffs, leaving the labor market in a state of "paralysis." The market's current focus has shifted to the non-farm payroll report for December, which will be released this Friday. Economists expect non-farm payrolls to increase by 60,000 last month, and the unemployment rate is expected to fall to 4.5% from the more than four-year high of 4.6% reached in November. It is worth noting that the November unemployment rate data was partially affected by the 43-day federal government shutdown. (Golden Ten Data)