The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell last week, but stayed at levels consistent with a further loss of labor market momentum in June. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 5,

Applications for US unemployment benefits ticked down last week, stabilizing near the highest levels in eight months.

The S&P, which most closely tracks the overall economy, climbed back to 6,000 Friday, up 1.03% (peaked 6,144 in February 2025). The Dow, which peaked at over 45,000 in December, was up 1.05% to 42,760, while the volatile NASDAQ, which peaked at over 22,408 also in December, was up 1.20% to 19,529