Svmuu News: The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits increased slightly last week, indicating that the labor market remains stable while also providing the Federal Reserve with room to maintain interest rates unchanged and closely monitor inflation risks related to the Middle East conflict. The U.S. Department of Labor stated on Thursday that for the week ending March 21, initial jobless claims increased by 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 210,000. Influenced by relatively low layoff numbers, initial jobless claims this year have remained within a range of 201,000 to 230,000. Economists stated that the persistent uncertainty stemming from the aggressive import tariffs implemented by Trump has led to a decline in labor demand. Over the three-month period ending in February this year, private-sector non-farm payrolls increased by an average of only 18,000 per month. They also pointed out that reduced labor supply due to the Trump administration's tough immigration policies has also impacted employment growth. This has led to what Federal Reserve Chair Powell referred to this month as a "state of equilibrium with zero employment growth," but this situation "carries downside risks." (Jin10)