WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The number of Americans filing new applications for jobless benefits increased more than expected last week, consistent with softening labor market conditions.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 8,000 to a seasonally adjusted 237,000 for the week ended August 30, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 230,000 claims for the latest week.

Job growth has shifted into stall-speed, with economists blaming President Donald Trump’s sweeping import tariffs and an immigration crackdown that is hampering hiring at construction sites and restaurants.

The government reported on Wednesday that there were more unemployed people than positions available in July for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal R

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