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US Jobless Claims Hit Two-Month Low, Signaling Resilient Labor Market
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CNBC TV18•24-09-2026, 18:44
US Jobless Claims Hit Two-Month Low, Signaling Resilient Labor Market
- •Applications for US unemployment benefits fell to 197,000 in the week ended September 19, the lowest level since mid-July.
- •The four-week moving average for jobless claims eased to 202,250, indicating continued labor market strength.
- •Despite higher energy prices and geopolitical tensions, the American labor market remains robust, with layoffs subdued.
- •Employers are reluctant to shed workers after facing acute labor shortages post-COVID-19 pandemic.
- •Economists anticipate the US non-farm payrolls report for September to show around 52,500 jobs added, with unemployment at 4.1%.
Key Questions Answered
Initial claims for unemployment benefits in the United States fell to 197,000 for the week ended September 19, which is down from a revised 198,000 the previous week and marks the lowest level since mid-July.
Despite businesses and households grappling with elevated energy costs following geopolitical tensions in West Asia, layoffs remain subdued because employers are reluctant to shed workers after experiencing acute post-pandemic labor shortages.
Economists surveyed by FactSet expect that the economy added around 52,500 jobs during September, while the unemployment rate is forecast to remain at a relatively low 4.1%.
