Initial jobless claims fell to 194,000 last week from 200,000 the week before, according to the Department of Labor. The four-week average of 197,750 ties a 2022 stretch for the lowest since 1969, and it marks the first six-week period since 1969 with fewer than 200,000 claims, even though the workforce has more than doubled since then. Economists describe a 'low-hire, low-fire' market, with employers reluctant to hire or lay off amid uncertainty over the war in Iran, trade policy and immigration limits. Oxford Economics expects unemployment to stay low, and the Fed has more room to focus on inflation, which remains above its 2% target and could mean higher borrowing costs.
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Related tickers and likely impact
DXY
▲ Likely positiveRelevance: medium
| Market | Currencies |
|---|---|
| Close on 10/22/2026 | 101.62 |
| Change that session | -0.07% |
XAU/USD
▼ Likely negativeRelevance: low
| Market | Gold |
|---|---|
| Close on 10/22/2026 | 4,024.59 |
| Change that session | -2.82% |
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