According to just released job numbers, the U.S. economy continues to struggle with the Labor Department stating today that new claims for unemployment insurance jumped by 37,000 last week. The jobless claims jump was the most since February. The Associated Press reported that analysts expected a smaller rise. The weekly claims are considered a gauge of layoffs and an indication of employers’ willingness to hire.

A total of nearly 4.5 million people continued claiming unemployment aid, the department said. The nation’s unemployment rate was 9.5 percent in June while Arkansas’ unemployment rate was 7.5 percent in June.

Other economic indicators were poor as well: Sales of previously occupied homes fell in June nationwide and a gauge of future economic activity dropped in June.

With consumers cautious about spending, the housing market slumping and the effect of last year’s $787 billion stimulus package fading, what are your thoughts about the economy?