US initial jobless claims rose by 4,000 to 229,000 (SA) in the week ending June
6, the Labor Department said, slightly above market expectations. Seasonal
school breaks can push claims higher as some states allow non-teaching staff to
file, and seasonal adjustment models may not fully capture that effect.
Separately, May payrolls posted a third consecutive month of strong job gains
and the unemployment rate held at 4.3% for a third month; part of the strong
employment picture may reflect fewer layoffs.
