US Initial jobless claims 229K vs 219K estimate. Continuing Claims 1.795M vs 1.780M est.

US weekly jobless claims came in above expectations, with initial claims rising to 229K versus 219K estimated and continuing claims increasing to 1.795M versus 1.780M expected. The prior week’s initial claims were 225K, the highest since early February, while continuing claims were revised to 1.771M. The data suggest a modest softening in the US labor market, which could reinforce expectations for a more cautious Federal Reserve stance if labor conditions continue to weaken. Equity futures were already firmer ahead of the release, with the Nasdaq up 200 points and the S&P 500 up 31 points, indicating the report was being absorbed in a broader risk-on backdrop rather than triggering immediate stress.