Unemployment news and trends

Labor Market Remains Stable Despite Energy Fears
Economy // March 19, 2026

Jobless claims decreased last week, surprising economists and signaling a labor market that remains steady despite the pressures caused by rising oil and gas prices. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content...

Fed’s Cook Says AI Productivity Boom May Call for Broader Policy Toolkit
artificial intelligence // February 24, 2026

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook said in a Tuesday (Feb. 24) speech that rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) could pose new challenges for the central bank’s traditional tools as it fundamentally reshapes the U.S. economy. In remarks delivered at the National Association for Business...

Jobless Claims Dip Slightly as Worker Unease Grows
Economy // January 29, 2026

Jobless claims in the United States ticked down slightly last week amid growing uncertainty among workers. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our daily...

Latest Government Credit Data Signals a Reset and Resilience
Consumer Finance // January 09, 2026

The new year has dawned with consumers in the United States navigating a cooling labor market, elevated borrowing costs and persistent inflation expectations. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no...

Interviews & Exclusives
Households Pump the Brakes on Credit as Economic Uncertainty Looms

October 07, 2025
Americans are walking a careful line as they navigate inflation and household balance sheets, leveraging credit where needed but showing signs of restraint. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today. […]

Paycheck-to-Paycheck Households Say Job Prospects Are Dimming

September 05, 2025
Even before the latest job numbers were released on Friday (Sept. 5), PYMNTS Intelligence had been busy uncovering the ways in which various households—across income levels and whether they’d been...

Spending Pullback May Worsen as Job Openings Decline

April 02, 2025
There are fewer jobs to be had, and layoffs have inched up. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all...

Retail’s Perfect Storm? Consumer Outlook on Jobs and Inflation Darkens

March 14, 2025
Airlines and some of the largest commerce firms are cutting guidance for the current quarter as consumers pull back at the register and on travel booking sites. Get the Full...

Quick Reads
Continuing Unemployment Claims Dip to Nearly 2-Year Low

March 26, 2026
The American labor market remains steady despite some recent high-profile layoffs. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today. By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS […]

Labor Market Remains Stable Despite Energy Fears

March 19, 2026
Jobless claims decreased last week, surprising economists and signaling a labor market that remains steady despite the pressures caused by rising oil and gas prices. Get the Full Story Complete...

Fed’s Cook Says AI Productivity Boom May Call for Broader Policy Toolkit

February 24, 2026
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook said in a Tuesday (Feb. 24) speech that rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) could pose new challenges for the central bank’s traditional tools as...

Jobless Claims Dip Slightly as Worker Unease Grows

January 29, 2026
Jobless claims in the United States ticked down slightly last week amid growing uncertainty among workers. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited...