Unemployment Rate (U3)
Track the U.S. unemployment rate. Rising unemployment above 0.5% from cycle lows triggers recession signals including the Sahm Rule.
Current Value
Trigger Level: Rising >0.5% from cycle low
AI Analysis
As of February 22, 2026, the unemployment rate has risen to 4.3%, indicating a potential increase in recession risk as it has ticked up more than 0.5% from its cycle low. This upward trend suggests weakening labor market conditions, which could signal economic challenges ahead.
What is the Unemployment Rate?
The U3 unemployment rate measures the percentage of the civilian labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking work. Released monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is the most widely watched labor market metric.
Why It Matters for Recession Risk
A rising unemployment rate is both a symptom and cause of recession. Once unemployment starts rising meaningfully (>0.5% from the cycle low), it tends to accelerate — the labor market rarely experiences a 'soft landing.'
Historical Context
Unemployment rose from 3.5% to 10% during the 2008 recession and from 3.5% to 14.7% during the 2020 pandemic. The current cycle low provides the baseline for Sahm Rule calculations.
Related Indicators
Sahm Rule
Track the Sahm Rule in real time. Current value, historical chart, and AI analysis. The Sahm Rule has correctly signaled every US recession since 1970.
Yield Curve 2s10s
Monitor the 2-year/10-year Treasury yield curve spread in real time. Yield curve inversions have preceded every US recession since 1955.
Yield Curve 2s30s
Track the 2-year/30-year Treasury yield curve spread. A wider view of the term structure that signals long-term economic expectations.
Get Daily Unemployment Rate Alerts
Receive SMS and email alerts when this indicator changes status. Stay ahead of the market.