BlockBeats News, December 19, the number of initial jobless claims in the U.S. fell more than expected last week, consistent with a gradual cooling of the labor market. The U.S. Department of Labor announced on Thursday that for the week ending December 14, the number of initial jobless claims decreased by 22,000, seasonally adjusted to 220,000 (Reuters survey expected 230,000). The number of initial jobless claims has entered a period of volatility, which may make it difficult for people to get a clear picture of the labor market. A range of indicators, including the number of unemployment claims and job vacancies, indicate that the employment situation is much looser than before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the labor market is slowing down in an orderly manner. (Jin Shi)