U.S. initial jobless claims fell by 1,000 to 197,000 in the week ended Sept. 19,
seasonally adjusted, the U.S. Labor Department said on Thursday; economists had
expected 201,000. Claims are at a 57-year low, partly reflecting
seasonal-adjustment volatility around Labor Day and residual seasonal factors
that often push claims lower toward year-end. The Labor Department said the
underlying trend in claims remains consistent with current labor-market
conditions. Economists say the labor market is stabilizing after a soft summer,
supported by low layoff rates, but firms remain reluctant to hire amid higher
energy prices tied to the conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran,
import-tariff headwinds, tighter immigration policy and rising retirements that
are reducing labor supply.
