Initial claims for unemployment benefits in the United States increased more than expected during the week ended November 7, 2026, according to figures released Thursday by the US Department of Labor.
New applications for unemployment benefits rose by 9,000 to 200,000, compared with the previous week’s revised total of 191,000.
Economists had anticipated an increase to 195,000 claims, based on the initially reported figure of 189,000 for the preceding week.
The latest reading was therefore 5,000 claims above market expectations.
Meanwhile, the four-week moving average, which helps smooth weekly fluctuations in unemployment claims, remained unchanged at 195,250 compared with the previous week’s revised average.
The figures showed an increase in weekly unemployment claims, while the broader four-week measure remained stable.