Initial jobless claims rose to 236k (+44k WoW) in the week ending December 6, reaching their highest level in several weeks but remaining slightly below the 239k level from one year earlier.

• Initial claims (NSA) increased to 313,140 (+114,967 WoW), a sharp seasonal rise that pushed filings above the 198,173 level from the prior week and above last year’s 309,459.

• The 4 week moving average (SA) edged up to 216,750 (+2,000 WoW), signaling a modest upward shift in trend while remaining near recent ranges.

• Insured unemployment (SA) fell to 1.838M (-99,000 WoW) for the week ending November 29, reversing the prior week’s increase and sitting slightly below the 1.873M level from one year earlier.

• Insured unemployment (NSA) rose to 1.964M (+268,460 WoW), reflecting a typical seasonal increase and coming in above the year ago level of 1.931M.

• The insured unemployment rate (SA) held at 1.2%, while the NSA rate rose to 1.3% (+0.2 ppts WoW), indicating a mild pickup in benefit usage.

• Federal employee claims (UCFE) fell to 643 (-483 WoW), though they remained above last year’s 399, while newly discharged veteran claims (UCX) decreased to 223 (-67 WoW), slightly below the 226 level from a year earlier.