According to the economic calendar, at 21:30 Beijing time tonight, the US Department of Labor will release the initial jobless claims data for the week ending February 21. The previous reading was 206,000, and the market expects the figure to rise to 215,000.
Why This Data Matters
Initial jobless claims are one of the key indicators of the health of the US labor market, reflecting trends in corporate layoffs. A reading above expectations could signal economic slowdown, while a lower-than-expected number may suggest continued strength in employment.
Potential Market Impact
- If the result exceeds expectations, stock markets could see short-term volatility, and the US dollar may weaken.
- Conversely, a lower-than-expected figure could lead to a stronger dollar and rising bond yields.
Investors should closely monitor market reactions following the release and consider this data alongside other economic indicators.