According to Jin Ten, the number of initial unemployment claims in the United States fell more than expected last week, consistent with the 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 unemployment claims decreased by 22,000, seasonally adjusted to 220,000 (Reuters survey was 230,000). The number of initial unemployment claims has entered a period of volatility, which may make it difficult for people to have a clear understanding of the labor market. A series 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.