Jobless Claims Continue To Edge Lower

Jobless claims have been edging lower to confirm that layoffs are low and the job market strong. Initial claims in the September 14 week came in at a lower-than-expected 208,000 with the 4-week average down slightly to 212,250. The September 14 week was also the sample week for the monthly employment report and a comparison of readings with the sample week of the August employment report shows small but further declines.

Continuing claims have also been coming down, falling 13,000 in lagging data for the September 7 week with this 4-week average down 3,750 to 1.678 million. The unemployment rate for insured workers is very low, holding steady at 1.2 percent.

There are no special factors and no states were estimated in results that should firm forecaster estimates for yet another solid monthly employment report.