US applications for jobless claims fall to 201,000, lowest level in nearly a year

US jobless benefit applications dropped to 201,000 for the week ending January 4, the lowest since February last year. The four-week average also fell, showing a strong labor market. Though job additions slowed in 2024, they remain solid. Despite inflation and higher interest rates, employers continue to look for workers. The unemployment rate is at 4.2%.