Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Georgia dropped last week compared with the week prior, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

New jobless claims in Georgia — often used as a snapshot of layoffs — fell to 3,952 for the week ending December 19, down from 4,895 the previous week.

Nationally, U.S. unemployment claims also moved lower. The Labor Department reported 214,000 claims last week, down 10,000 from 224,000 the week before on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Across the country, Nebraska saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with filings rising 63.3%, while West Virginia posted the largest percentage drop, down 39.7%.

Economists often watch weekly claims as an early indicator of labor market changes, with sustained increases potentially signaling rising layoffs and continued declines pointing to steadier employment conditions.