In the week of December 28, seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims reached 211,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the revised 220,000 in the prior week.
The earlier figure was adjusted upward by 1,000, from 219,000 to 220,000. The 4-week moving average fell by 3,500 to 223,250, compared to the previous week’s revised average, which was increased by 250, from 226,500 to 226,750.
During the week ending December 21, the seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate dropped to 1.2%, a decline of 0.1% from the previous week’s unrevised rate. Insured unemployment for that period stood at 1,844,000, a reduction of 52,000 from the revised 1,896,000 in the earlier week. The prior figure was revised downward by 14,000, from 1,910,000 to 1,896,000. The 4-week moving average of insured unemployment decreased by 6,750 to 1,870,750, with the previous week’s average revised down by 3,500, from 1,881,000 to 1,877,500.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
Markets Balance Between Relief and RiskGlobal markets have begun pricing in a more moderate geopolitical outlook, yet the underlying situation remains unsettled. Diplomatic overtures between the United States and Iran have shown a sense of guarded relief following weeks of heightened anxiety regarding energy flows and critical shipping lanes. Interestingly, the failure of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz to ignite a total energy crisis has challenged traditional market expectations.
Detail Risk-On Mood Lifts Currencies and Metals (04.15.2026)Markets maintained a risk-on tone as expectations for renewed US–Iran negotiations continued to weigh on the dollar.
Markets shifted toward risk-on sentiment as easing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty around Federal Reserve policy pressured the U.S. dollar. EUR/USD climbed toward 1.18, reaching multi-month highs, while sterling also advanced to a seven-week peak.
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