US job market steady as initial claims fall to 202,000
The US job market held up in late March 2026: fewer people filed for unemployment, dropping initial claims to 202,000.
It's a low-hire, low-fire vibe: not many layoffs, but not much new hiring either.
Still, more folks are staying unemployed longer, with continuing claims up to 1.84 million.
Rising oil prices (thanks to global conflicts) could shake things up for workers and businesses.
US trade deficit widens to $57.3B
America's trade deficit jumped nearly 5% to $57.3 billion as imports (especially tech gear, oil, and medicine) rose sharply.
Exports hit a record high too (hello natural gas and gold), but it wasn't enough to close the gap.
Economists warn that ongoing tariff changes and disrupted trade routes might make things tougher for the economy in the months ahead.