First Time Jobless Claims Move Lower Again

Jobless claims keep moving lower and lower in what is definitive evidence of labor market strength. Initial claims in the October 1 week fell 5,000 to 249,000, breaking the 250,000 barrier for the second time this year. And the 4-week average, 2,500 lower at 253,500, is down for a very convincing 7th week in a row. Continuing claims are likewise moving lower, down 6,000 to 2.058 million in lagging data for the September 24 week. There are no special factors in today's report, one where all readings are at or near historic lows.

Recent History Of This Indicator:
Initial jobless claims have been tracking at historic lows and pointing to healthy conditions in the labor market. Continuing claims have likewise been very low. Forecasters see initial claims climbing but only slightly, up 2,000 in the October 1 week from the prior week's 254,000.