Jobless claims rise for the second week in a row, highest level since Labor Day

In recent weeks, those deliberations have taken on increasing urgency as the economy has been flashing warning signs. In November, the country added just 245,000 jobs — the slowest month of growth since the pandemic began. Also in November, retail sales fell by 1.1 percent, as Americans pulled back on spending during the holiday shopping season, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday.

The December jobs report could be particularly dire, as it will take into account a new range of restrictions and shutdowns instituted around the country as coronavirus infections spike to record levels.