U.S. jobless claims hit 3-year low
The Labor Department said Thursday that initial unemployment claims fell to 191,000 for the week ending Nov. 29, the lowest since Sept. 24, 2022, undershooting forecasts for 221,000. The four‑week average dropped to 214,750 and continuing claims edged down to 1.94 million for the week ending Nov. 22, a snapshot that could factor into the Federal Reserve’s rate decision next week amid mixed labor signals.
📌 Key Facts
- Initial claims: 191,000 (week ending Nov. 29), lowest since Sept. 24, 2022
- Consensus forecast (FactSet): 221,000
- Four-week average claims: 214,750; continuing claims: 1.94 million (week ending Nov. 22)
📊 Relevant Data
In September 2025, the unemployment rate was 3.8% for Whites, 7.5% for Blacks, 4.4% for Asians, and 5.5% for Hispanics, compared to the overall rate of 4.4%.
The Employment Situation - September 2025 — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
As of 2025, the U.S. population is approximately 63.44% White, 12.36% Black, 6.04% Asian, 0.89% American Indian, 0.2% Native Hawaiian, 6.64% some other race, and 10.43% two or more races, with 18.99% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
United States Population by Race & Ethnicity - 2025 Update — Neilsberg Research
In September 2025, unemployment rates for persons 25 years and older were 6.8% for those with less than a high school diploma, 4.2% for high school graduates with no college, 3.4% for those with some college or associate degree, and 2.8% for those with a bachelor's degree and higher.
Table A-4. Employment status of the civilian population 25 years and over by educational attainment — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
In 2022, the percentage of adults ages 25 and older with an associate degree or higher was 66.5% for Asians, 52.1% for Whites, 37.9% for Blacks, and 30.4% for Hispanics.
Educational Attainment by Race and Ethnicity — American Council on Education