Svmuu News: The increase in U.S. initial jobless claims last week was smaller than expected, indicating that layoffs remain at low levels. Initial jobless claims for the week ending February 21 rose by 4,000 to 212,000, compared to a median forecast of 215,000. The survey period included the Presidents’ Day holiday. Continuing claims fell to 1.83 million. Claim data can fluctuate around holidays. However, the current level of initial claims remains relatively low, consistent with other recent data indicating some stabilization in the labor market. The February jobs report is scheduled for release on March 6. It will help policymakers assess whether January’s strong job growth and decline in the unemployment rate were merely temporary fluctuations or signs of sustained improvement. (Jin Shi)