US initial jobless claims increased 5k to 219k last week, slightly above expectations of 215k. The 4-week average has fallen back to Q2 2024 levels after rising in Q3 2024.

• Not seasonally adjusted claims fell -10k to 222.6k.
• Continued jobless claims increased 24k to 1.869 million, slight below expectations of 1.870 million.
• The insured unemployment rate remains unchanged at 1.2%.