US initial jobless claims fell 2,000 to 197,000 in the week ended Oct. 3, the Labor Department said, staying near 57-year lows for a fourth straight week and consistent with economists' characterization of a 'low hiring, low layoffs' labour market. Nonfarm payrolls rose just 29,000 in September; economists cited weak hiring and a smaller labour supply from retirements and tighter immigration as constraints on job growth, while historically low layoffs continue to support the market. Continuing c

2028 FOMC voting member and St. Louis Fed President Musailem to speak in 10 minutes.

On Oct. 8 morning A-share optical-chip concept stocks fell sharply. Changguang Huaxin and Yuanjie Technology hit 20% limit-down, Shijia Photonics fell >15%, Yongding fell >6% and Dongshan Precision hit limit-down. Market chatter circulated that optical-chip prices—particularly 1.6T-compatible chips—are under downward pressure. Direct checks: Changguang Huaxin and Yongding said they have not received any information about price cuts and declined to speculate on the stock moves. Shijia Photonics said it has no information on price reductions and suggested the sector adjustment may be linked to Morgan Stanley’s Oct. 1 research note on FCC policy.