US applications for jobless aid fell to 233,000 last week as layoffs remain low

Unemployment claims fell by 4,000 to 233,000, indicating few layoffs despite tariff uncertainties. Job creation exceeded expectations with 147,000 jobs added, and unemployment dipped to 4.1%. While layoffs are low overall, companies like Microsoft and Google have announced job cuts. The four-week average of claims decreased to 241,500, with 1.97 million Americans receiving benefits.