US Continuing Claims Fall to a Nearly Two-Year Low

• US initial jobless claims for the week ending March 21 were 210,000, aligning with predictions and indicating a stable labor market.
• US continuing claims for the week ending March 14 fell to 1.819 million, a nearly two-year low, suggesting fewer people are remaining on unemployment benefits.
• OECD 2026 inflation forecasts show a significant jump across major economies (e.g., US from 2.8% to 4.2%, UK 2.5% to 4.0%), labeled as a 'War Warning'.
• A 'double squeeze' is noted for other countries due to rising oil prices (priced in USD) and a strengthening dollar, which could lead to demand destruction and lower global growth.

The discussion covers US jobless claims, which remain low and stable, contrasting with a 'War Warning' from the OECD regarding significantly higher global inflation forecasts for 2026. Rising oil prices and a strengthening dollar are creating a 'double squeeze' for other economies, potentially leading to demand destruction and slower growth globally, despite the US economy performing relatively well.