Jobless Claims Increase to 197K, yet Layoffs Stay Low

WHO:

AP News - The Labor Department reported on jobless claims.

AP News - Companies that have recently trimmed their workforce include Verizon, UPS, Amazon, Disney, Starbucks, Walmart, and Microsoft.

WHAT:

AP News - U.S. filings for jobless benefits rose by 9,000 to 197,000.

AP News - The previous week’s figure was revised up by 1,000 to 188,000.

AP News - The four-week moving average of weekly jobless claims fell by 5,000 to 202,750.

AP News - The total number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits for the previous week was 1.78 million, a decline of 7,000 from the previous week.

AP News - Analysts surveyed by FactSet forecasted 207,000 new applications.

WHERE:

AP News - The report was issued in Washington.

WHEN:

AP News - The week ending July 25 was referenced for the jobless claims data.

AP News - The previous week ending July 18 was mentioned for the total number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits.

WHY:

AP News - Despite rising oil prices due to the U.S.-Iran war, the American job market remains healthy.

AP News - Analysts suggest that a prolonged war and higher energy costs may force companies to reduce head counts.

HOW:

AP News - Weekly filings for unemployment benefits are considered a real-time indicator of the health of the U.S. job market.

(UPDATED July 30, 2026 16:31 UTC)

The Labor Department has reported that U.S. filings for jobless benefits have risen by 9,000 to a total of 197,000, with the previous week’s figure revised up to 188,000. Notably, companies like Verizon, UPS, Amazon, Disney, Starbucks, Walmart, and Microsoft have recently trimmed their workforces, even as the four-week moving average of weekly jobless claims fell by 5,000 to 202,750. Analysts are keeping a close eye on these trends, as they suggest that despite rising oil prices linked to the U.S.-Iran war, the American job market remains resilient, although prolonged conflict and higher energy costs could lead to further job cuts.