The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits last week increased for a second straight week, pointing to softening labor market conditions amid mounting economic headwinds from tariffs.

Eight thousand more Americans filed initial unemployment claims for the week ending May 31, according to a Thursday Department of Labor report. The total number of seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims for the week were 247,

Initial jobless claims for week ended May 31 rose by 8K to 247K vs. 236K consensus and 239K prior (revised from 240K), according to data released by the Department of Labor on Thursday. The four-week moving average was 235K,

The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits was unchanged at higher levels last week as labor market conditions continued to steadily ease. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits held steady at a seasonally adjusted 248,

Recurring applications for US unemployment benefits rose to the highest since the end of 2021, adding to evidence that it is taking unemployed Americans longer to find a new job.

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits were unchanged last week, remaining at the higher end of recent ranges as uncertainty over the impact of trade wars lingers.