US initial jobless claims rose by 9,000 in the week ended March 30 to a total of 221,000 — their highest level since the week of Jan. 27, the US Department of Labor reported today. The previous week’s level was revised upward by 2,000.

Despite the uptick, The Associated Press noted that layoffs remain at historically low levels, indicating that the labor market continues to persevere amidst elevated interest rates.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average increased by 2,750 in the latest week to a level of 214,250. The previous week’s average was revised upward by 500.