Unemployment Claims Climb Above Estimates to Highest Since February

Seasonal factors could explain the unexpected surge in applications for jobless claims.

A hiring sign is displayed at a grocery store in Deerfield, Ill., on July 25, 2024. Nam Y. Huh, File/AP Photo

The number of Americans filing for state unemployment benefits climbed above economists’ expectations, jumping last week to the highest level since February.

Initial jobless claims rose by 4,000 to 229,000 for the week ending June 6, according to new Department of Labor figures released on June 11.