Initial jobless claims fell 6,000 to 194,000 in the week ended Oct. 17, the lowest level in three months, the Labor Department said Thursday; the median economist forecast was 200,000. Continuing claims rose 25,000 to 1.73 million, a six-week high. Claims have remained near multi-decade lows despite mounting price pressures, including surging energy costs. High-profile cuts announced by eBay and Kroger have not yet translated into broad-based layoffs.

2026-10-22

Initial jobless claims fell 6,000 to 194,000 in the week ended Oct. 17, the lowest level in three months, the Labor Department said Thursday; the median economist forecast was 200,000. Continuing claims rose 25,000 to 1.73 million, a six-week high. Claims have remained near multi-decade lows despite mounting price pressures, including surging energy costs. High-profile cuts announced by eBay and Kroger have not yet translated into broad-based layoffs.