US Weekly Jobless Claims Fall Less Than Expected

Disruptions from winter storms linger, impacting labor market recovery

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits decreased by less than expected last week, likely due to lingering disruptions from winter storms across much of the country. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 227,000 for the week ended February 7, falling short of the 222,000 claims economists had forecast.

Why it matters

The slower-than-expected decline in jobless claims suggests the labor market recovery may be facing headwinds, even as the unemployment rate fell to 4.3% in January. Economists continue to characterize the labor market as remaining in a 'low hire, low fire' state, with trade and immigration policies constraining growth.

The details

Though job growth accelerated in January, nearly all the gains came from the healthcare and social assistance sector. Economists say trade and immigration policies are limiting the labor market, but they remain optimistic employment growth will pick up this year partly because of tax cuts. The number of people receiving unemployment benefits after an initial week of aid, a proxy for hiring, also increased 21,000 to a seasonally adjusted 1.862 million during the week ended January 31.

  • The latest jobless claims data is for the week ended February 7, 2026.
  • The unemployment rate fell to 4.3% in December 2025.

The players

U.S. Department of Labor

The federal agency responsible for collecting and reporting on unemployment data.

Economists

Analysts and experts who provide forecasts and commentary on economic trends, including the labor market.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Though job growth accelerated in January and the unemployment rate fell to 4.3% from 4.4% in December, economists continued to characterize the labor market as remaining in a 'low hire, low fire' state.”

— Economists (Reuters)

The takeaway

The slower-than-expected decline in jobless claims suggests the labor market recovery may be facing headwinds, even as the unemployment rate fell. This highlights the ongoing challenges facing the economy, including the impact of trade and immigration policies, as well as the need for continued monitoring of employment trends.