U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims Rebound Slightly Less Than Expected

U.S. weekly jobless claims rose modestly to 197,000 in the week ended July 25, slightly below economists’ expectations of 200,000 and still under the key 200k threshold. The prior week was revised to 188,000, while the four-week average declined to 202,750. Continuing claims also fell to 1.782 million, signaling that layoffs remain low and the labor market continues to show underlying strength. The data is supportive for risk assets because it points to a resilient economy without an immediate spike in unemployment, though it may also temper hopes for rapid Fed easing if labor conditions remain firm.