US Jobless Claims Jump to 236K, Continuing Claims Hit 8-Month Low

• US jobless benefit applications rose by 44,000 to 236,000 for the week ending Dec. 6, exceeding analysts' forecasts.
• The total number of Americans collecting unemployment benefits (continuing claims) fell by 99,000 to 1.84 million for the week ending Nov. 29, marking the lowest level since mid-April.
• The four-week average of claims increased by 2,000 to 216,750.

Why It Matters: It reveals the current health and potential shifts in the US job market.