Initial Jobless Claims
The number of people filing first-time claims for unemployment insurance each week. The current value of 210,000K is near the low end of its 10-year range, based on available data over the past 10 years. (Source: FRED)
Current Value
210,000K
Change
↑ 2.44%
Previous
205,000K
Source: FRED (ICSA) | Frequency: weekly | Last updated: April 2, 2026
What This Means for You
The Initial Jobless Claims is currently at 210,000K. Changes in this indicator can affect related areas of the economy including consumer spending, business investment, and policy decisions. (Source: FRED)
10-Year History
Historical Context
Over the past 10 years, the Initial Jobless Claims has ranged from a low of 190,000K in September 2022 to a high of 6,137,000K in April 2020, with an average of approximately 363,617K. The current value of 210,000K is near the low end of its 10-year range. (Source: FRED via FRED)
Related Employment Indicators
The Initial Jobless Claims is part of the employment category. Related indicators include: Labor Force Participation Rate (currently 61.90%), Nonfarm Payrolls (currently 158,466K), U-6 Unemployment Rate (currently 8.00%), Unemployment Rate (currently 4.30%). The headline unemployment rate (U-3) captures people actively looking for work, while U-6 includes discouraged and underemployed workers, providing a broader picture. Nonfarm payrolls measure total job creation, and initial jobless claims provide a near-real-time pulse on layoffs. The labor force participation rate reveals how many working-age adults are engaged with the job market at all, a dimension the unemployment rate alone does not capture. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
What to Watch
Economists and analysts monitor the Initial Jobless Claims for trend changes that may signal shifts in economic conditions. This data is released weekly and is subject to revision. Changes in this indicator can ripple through related areas of the economy. Historical patterns do not guarantee future outcomes. (Source: FRED)
Limitations of This Data
This data is released weekly and reflects conditions as of the most recent reporting period. Economic data is frequently revised as more complete information becomes available; initial releases may differ significantly from final figures. This indicator measures one dimension of the economy and should be considered alongside other data for a more complete picture. (Source: FRED)
Explore Further
Data Sources
EconGrader is not an investment advisor or financial advisor. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Economic data reflects past and present conditions and does not predict future outcomes. All data is sourced from federal government agencies and updated automatically. This site does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice.