Initial state unemployment benefit claims rose by 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted figure of 206,000 for the week ending August 29, according to the Department of Labor. ^[1] The number of people applying for unemployment benefits in the United States increased slightly last week, suggesting no significant change in labor market conditions at the end of August. ^[2] The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the US economy added 162,000 jobs in August and the unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%. ^[3] The Federal Reserve's Beige Book described employment as increasing very slightly in August, noting solid labor demand in manufacturing, construction, and some service sectors. ^[4] Kevin Warsh, the chair of the US Federal Reserve, said at the Jackson Hole symposium that the Fed is committed to getting inflation down to its 2% target rate, but did not make firm suggestions on the central bank's next move. ^[5] Payroll firm ADP reported that private companies added 38,000 jobs in August, the lowest monthly gain since January. ^[6] The Bureau of Labor Statistics revised June job growth up to 31,000 from an initial 20,000, and July from a loss of 23,000 to a gain of 21,000. ^[7]