US initial jobless claims fell 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 194,000 in the
week ended Oct. 17, the US Labor Department said on Thursday, near the mid‑July
189,000 low — the weakest since 1969. Economists say strong domestic demand and
rising corporate profits have limited layoffs. However, an escalation of
hostilities between the US/Israel and Iran, tighter financial conditions and
higher interest rates could weigh on the labor market next year.
