The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week to the lowest level in nearly 15 months, while consumer prices increased further in May as the pandemic's easing grip on the economy continues to boost domestic demand.
Initial claims for state unemployment benefits totaled a seasonally adjusted 376,000 for the week ended June 5, compared to 385,000 in the prior week, the Labor Department said on Thursday. That was the lowest since mid-March 2020 when the first wave of COVID-19 infections barreled through the country, leading to closures of nonessential businesses.
Claims have now declined for six straight weeks. Layoffs are abating, with employers scrambling for labor as millions of unemployed Americans remain at home because of trouble securing child care, generous unemployment benefits and lingering fears of the virus even though vaccines are now widely accessible.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 370,000 applications for the latest week.
At least half of the adult U.S. population has been vaccinated against
the virus, allowing for broader economic re-engagement. But the pent-up
demand unleashed by the resumption of business operations is straining
the supply chain and fanning inflation pressures.
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