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Unemployment claims drop to 189,000, the fewest since mid-July
Fewer Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, with claims falling to 189,000, the lowest since mid-July.
Key points
- Initial jobless claims fell to 189,000 last week from 195,000 the week before, the lowest since mid-July.
- The four-week average of claims dipped to 194,750 and claims have been at or below 200,000 for eight straight weeks.
- Employers have added an average of 68,000 jobs a month this year, including 29,000 last month.
Why it matters. Low jobless claims suggest layoffs remain scarce, though the source says hiring has slowed and the October jobs figures are expected to show 65,000 jobs added.
The US Labor Department reported Thursday that 189,000 people applied for jobless benefits last week, the fewest since mid-July and down from 195,000 the week before. The four-week average dipped to 194,750, and claims have stayed at or below 200,000 for eight straight weeks. So far this year employers have added an average of 68,000 jobs a month, including a disappointing 29,000 last month. Economists expect October hiring figures on Friday to show 65,000 jobs added, according to a FactSet survey of forecasters.
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Unemployment claims drop to 189,000, the fewest since mid-July
Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as layoffs remain scarce and most workers enjoy job security Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as layoffs remain scarce and most workers enjoy job security WASHINGTON -- Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as layoffs remain scarce and most workers enjoy job security. The Labor Department reported Thursday that 189,000 people sought jobless aid last week, the fewest since mid-July and down from 195,000 the week before. The four-week average of claims, which smooths out week-to-week ups and downs, dipped to 194,750. Applications for jobless benefits are a proxy for layoffs, and economists watch them closely because they can provide signs of where the job market is headed. Claims have remained at historically low levels in the year to date, never topping 230,000 in a single week. They’ve come in at or below 200,000 for eight straight weeks. Popular Reads So far this year, employers — companies, government agencies and nonprofits — have been adding an average of 68,000 jobs a month, including a disappointing 29,000 last month. That is modest by historic standards but an improvement on a lackluster 2025 when monthly job creation averaged 9,700 as high interest rates and President Donald Trump’s unpredictable trade policies discouraged hiring. Consumer spending has remained r.