Business · Economy · 6 hrs ago
US Jobless Claims Near Their Lowest Level Since 1969
New US unemployment claims fell by 6,000 to 194,000 in the week ending October 17, according to the Labor Department.
That is close to 189,000, reached in July and the lowest level since 1969.
The low number suggests few workers are being laid off, while companies are holding on to staff amid strong domestic demand and company profits.
But hiring remains weak: the US added 29,000 jobs in September, and uncertainty over the war with Iran and import tariffs has made employers cautious.
Continuing claims rose by 25,000 to 1.728 million, though this measure leaves out some people who do not qualify for benefits and those who have used them up.
The median time spent unemployed reached 11.5 weeks in September, near a four-and-a-half-year high, even as unemployment stood at 4.2%.
Higher interest rates and tighter financial conditions could put pressure on jobs next year, and economists expect the Federal Reserve to keep rates unchanged at its next meeting before potentially raising them in December.
US initial jobless claims fell by 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 194,000 in the week ended October 17.
The figure was near the 189,000 recorded in mid-July, the lowest level since 1969.
The result was below economists’ forecast of 200,000 claims and marked the sixth consecutive week at or below 200,000.
The data point to low layoffs and a stable labor market, although hiring remains weak.
Economists warned that tighter financial conditions and higher interest rates could weigh on the labor market next year.
- Who
- Americans filing initial claims for state unemployment benefits.
- What
- Initial claims fell by 6,000 to 194,000, near their lowest level since 1969.
- When
- The week ended October 17, 2026; the report was released October 22.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- Low layoffs and continued domestic demand are supporting the labor market; economists warned that tighter financial conditions and higher interest rates could hurt it next year.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Initial jobless claims reached 189,000, their lowest level since 1969.
The US economy added 29,000 jobs, after adding 133,000 in August.
Initial jobless claims fell by 6,000 to 194,000.
The US Labor Department released the weekly claims report.
- Initial claims
- 194,000 in the week ended October 17
- Weekly change
- Down 6,000
- Economists’ forecast
- 200,000 claims
- Lowest since 1969
- 189,000 in mid-July
- Continuing claims
- 1.728 million in the week ended October 10
- September unemployment rate
- 4.2%