Initial jobless claims fell to 220k in the week ending November 15 (SA), down -8k WoW and remaining close to levels seen in early autumn, reflecting continued stability in layoff activity.

• Initial claims (NSA) declined -22,095 WoW to 216,671, slightly above the 216,081 level from the same week last year, indicating modest YoY softening but no sharp deterioration.

• The 4-week moving average of initial claims (SA) edged down -3k to 224,250, suggesting a mild easing in near-term volatility.

• Continued claims (SA) rose +28k to 1.974 million in the week ending November 8, moving further above the 1.946 million level from the prior week and continuing a gradual upward trend.

• Continued claims (NSA) increased +6,970 WoW to 1.727 million, modestly above last year’s 1.661 million, pointing to slightly higher ongoing benefit usage.

• The insured unemployment rate held at 1.3% (SA) and 1.1% (NSA), showing no change despite rising continued claims.

• Federal employee claims under UCFE fell -1,763 WoW to 5,719, though still elevated relative to 615 in the same week last year.

• Newly discharged veteran claims (UCX) decreased -55 to 390, slightly below last year’s 408, indicating stable benefit filings within that category.