The preliminary seasonally adjusted initial claims statistic for the week ending December 14 was 220,000, which was 22,000 lower than the revised amount of 242,000 for the prior week. Compared to the previous week's unrevised average of 224,250, the 4-week moving average increased by 1,250 to 225,500.
The seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate held steady at 1.2% for the week ending December 7, unchanged from the prior week’s unrevised rate. The revised total of 1,879,000 seasonally adjusted insured unemployment claims for the previous week was reduced by 5,000 to 1,874,000 claims for the same week.
The prior week’s figure was revised downward by 7,000, from 1,886,000 to 1,879,000. The 4-week moving average for insured unemployment claims declined by 6,000 to 1,880,250, compared to the revised average of 1,886,250 from the previous week.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
Markets remained cautious as a stronger U.S. dollar pressured major currency pairs ahead of key central bank decisions.
Strong USD and Surging Oil Amid Tensions (16–20 March)Global markets faced significant upward pressure on yields and energy prices this week as the conflict in the Middle East entered its third week. The US Dollar Index surged above 100.3, its highest since May 2025, fueled by safe-haven flows and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's announcement of the largest planned strike wave against Iran to date. Brent crude breached the $105 threshold following strikes on Kharg Island and warnings that 90% of Iran’s export facilities could be targeted.
Detail Markets Brace for Central Bank Week (03.16.2026)Global markets remain dominated by geopolitical tensions and energy risks as the conflict in the Middle East continues to shape investor sentiment.
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