Layoffs show no sign of rising: Jobless claims still very low historically

There might not be a bigger tell for the health of the economy than the number of layoffs, but the story remains the same: Businesses aren’t cutting many jobs and the U.S. is still expanding.

Initial jobless claims — the number of people who apply for unemployment benefits — rose by 8,000 to a seasonally adjusted 208,000 in the seven days ended Jan. 3,

the government said.