Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance unexpectedly plunged to a fresh pandemic low as the job market recovery gathers steam.

The number of applications for U.S. state unemployment benefits plummeted last week to the lowest since the pandemic began, indicating the labor market continues to thaw as governments lift restrictions on business and activity picks up.

Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance unexpectedly rose for a second week, underscoring the uneven nature of the labor market recovery.

Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance unexpectedly rose last week but remained near the lowest levels of the pandemic as the labor market meanders toward full recovery.

Applications for U.S. jobless benefits unexpectedly rose last week, to the highest since mid-February, underscoring how the labor market is recovering in fits and starts.

Applications for U.S. state unemployment benefits fell by more than forecast last week to the lowest since November, signaling that job cuts are starting to ebb as COVID-19 infections decline and vaccinations accelerate.

Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance jumped to a four-week high, indicating the labor market is suffering fresh setbacks even as the coronavirus pandemic shows signs of ebbing.

Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance fell slightly last week while claims for federal benefits swelled, illustrating the persistent challenges in the system of delivering financial aid to the nation’s jobless.

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits declined to 779,000 in the week ended Jan. 30, a still historically high total that shows that a sizable number of people keep losing jobs to the pandemic.

Applications for U.S. state unemployment benefits fell last week, signaling that job cuts may be easing after rising in December and early January.