The number of **Americans filing new unemployment claims** fell by **10,000** to **201,000** for the week ending January 4.
This drop indicates a **stable labor market** at the beginning of the year, despite some laid-off workers facing challenges in finding new jobs.
Labor market stability is supported by rising job openings, with **1.13 vacancies** for every unemployed individual in November.
The ongoing employment landscape is expected to influence the **Federal Reserve's** decision to maintain interest rates in January.
Despite low layoffs, hiring has slowed, leaving many unemployed for extended periods, as indicated by an increase in **continuing claims** to **1.867 million**.
For more details, visit the original article here.