Initial jobless claims fell 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 194,000 in the week ended October 17, below the 200,000 Reuters economists had forecast and the sixth straight week at or below 200,000. The four-week average dropped to 197,750, its lowest since 1969, which suggests payrolls may pick up in October after September's weak 29,000 gain. Economists still describe the labour market as 'low-hire, low-fire', with low layoffs supported by strong profits, retirements and immigration curbs, though some worry that tighter financial conditions and higher rates from the Middle East conflict could weaken jobs next year. Continuing claims rose 25,000 to 1.728 million in the week ended October 10.
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Original headline: International Business : US jobless claims near 57 - year lows
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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% |
SPY
▲ Likely positiveSPDR S&P 500 ETF
Relevance: low
| Market | US stocks |
|---|---|
| Sector | ETF |
| Close on 10/22/2026 | 764.02 |
| Change that session | -1.17% |
XAU/USD
▼ Likely negativeRelevance: low
| Market | Gold |
|---|---|
| Close on 10/22/2026 | 4,024.59 |
| Change that session | -2.82% |
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Related news
- Number of Americans filing for jobless aid remain at low levels
Initial jobless claims for the week ending October 10 rose by 1,000 to 199,000, and the four-week average increased by 250 to 198,500, both still well below 220,000 so far this year. Continuing claims for the week ending October 3 fell by 4,000 to 1.71 million. The job market is described as “low-hire, low-fire”: employers added just 29,000 jobs in September, down from 133,000 in August and below forecasts, while the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2% last month. Slower population growth and reduced immigration mean the economy needs fewer monthly job gains to keep unemployment low, though high borrowing costs and energy-driven inflation could push businesses to cut staff. Kroger said it would lay off about 3,000 corporate employees over the next three years.
- Number of Americans filing for jobless aid remain at low levels
Initial jobless claims in the U.S. for the week ending October 10 rose by 1,000 to 199,000, and the four-week average edged up to 198,500, with layoffs still historically low. Claims have stayed below 220,000 so far this year, suggesting most companies are holding onto workers, though hiring has been sluggish in a 'low-hire, low-fire' job market. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2% last month, and employers added only 29,000 jobs in September, down from 133,000 in August and below forecasts. Slower population growth and lower immigration mean the economy needs fewer monthly job gains to keep unemployment low, though concerns remain that higher borrowing costs and energy-driven inflation could push firms to cut jobs. Kroger said it would lay off about 3,000 corporate employees over three years, and continuing claims fell 4,000 to 1.71 million for the week ending October 3.
- U . S . Joblessness Measure Falls , but Black Worker Rate Hits 30 . 1 %
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- International Business : US jobless claims near 57 - year lows
The number of Americans filing new unemployment benefit claims fell to near 57-year lows last week, pointing to low layoffs and suggesting job growth may have picked up in October after weak September payrolls. Economists cite strong profit growth, robust domestic demand, a shrinking workforce from retirements and immigration curbs as reasons workers are being shielded from layoffs, though tighter financial conditions and higher rates from the Middle East conflict could weigh on the labour market next year. Initial claims fell 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 194,000 for the week ended October 17, below the 200,000 forecast by economists polled by Reuters, while the four-week average dropped to 197,750, its lowest since 1969. The number of people receiving benefits after their first week rose 25,000 to a still-low 1.728 million in the week ended October 10. Economists still describe the labour market as 'low-hire, low-fire', with uncertainty from the war and tariffs stymying hiring.
- Layoffs Fueled Spike in Unemployment Claims in Texas , Ohio and Michigan
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, layoffs pushed initial unemployment claims up sharply in Ohio (3,918), Texas (1,721) and Michigan (1,195) for the week ending October 10, and state officials attributed the increases to job cuts. Ohio and Michigan cited manufacturing losses, while Texas pointed to cuts across transportation and warehousing, accommodation, information and food services. All three states are in closely watched U.S. Senate races ahead of the November 3 midterms, where jobs and the economy are central issues. Tennessee (3,477), Pennsylvania (1,954) and California (1,758) also saw increases above 1,000, while nationwide claims fell to a seasonally adjusted 194,000 for the week ending October 17. Kroger also plans to eliminate about 3,000 corporate positions over the next three years.
- US weekly jobless claims near 57-year lows, underscore labor market stability
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