WASHINGTON — The number of people seeking unemployment benefits ticked up last week but remained at a historically low level, reflecting a robust U.S. labor market with near record-high job openings and few layoffs.

Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance unexpectedly rose for the first time since mid-January, mainly concentrated in a few states in the South and Midwest, while most others declined.

Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance fell for a second week, partially unwinding a recent spike in claims as the omicron wave recedes.

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to its lowest level since the pandemic began, a sign the job market is still improving even as hiring has slowed in the past two months.

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits rose last week from the lowest point of the pandemic, even as the job market appears to be rebounding on the strength of a reopened economy.

Economists, blindsided by a major miss in April’s U.S. employment report, are now ready for any number of surprises.

WASHINGTON — U.S. employers added just 49,000 jobs in January, a sign that the viral pandemic retains a tight grip on the economy nearly a year after it triggered a painful recession.

A record 3.3 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits after the coronavirus outbreak forced the shutdown of major industries, small businesses and gig workers.

WASHINGTON — U.S. companies added just 102,000 jobs in June, a possible turning point that could signal a coming increase in the unemployment rate.

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits decreased for the third time in four weeks, hovering near an almost five-decade low that reflects a robust job market.