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US Initial Jobless Claims Fall to 197,000, Below Expectations
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The US Labor Department reported that initial jobless claims for the week ending September 19 fell by 1,000 to 197,000, below the economist consensus of 201,000. The data, currently at a 57-year low, is partly influenced by seasonal adjustment challenges related to the Labor Day holiday and residual year-end factors. Analysts cited in the report note that while low layoffs support a stabilizing labor market, businesses remain reluctant to hire aggressively. Geopolitical risks, including the Israel-Iran conflict pushing up energy prices and import tariffs, are dampening hiring intentions. Additionally, tighter immigration policies and a rising number of retirees are constraining labor supply, further limiting recruitment.
Source report
According to foreign media reports, the number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits declined last week, reflecting a stabilizing labor market.
The U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday that for the week ending September 19, seasonally adjusted initial jobless claims fell by 1,000 to 197,000, below the 197,000 economists had expected.
The current reading remains near a 57-year low, partly due to seasonal adjustment challenges associated with date-shifting holidays such as Labor Day. Additionally, residual seasonal factors toward the end of the year typically push claims lower.
The underlying trend in initial jobless claims remains consistent with the current state of the labor market. After weakening through much of the summer, the job market has stabilized, supported by low layoff rates. However, businesses still show little willingness to ramp up hiring on a large scale.
Economists suggest that rising energy prices driven by the Israel-Iran conflict, along with pressures from import tariffs, are dampening employers' willingness to hire. At the same time, tighter immigration policies and a growing number of retirees are shrinking the labor supply, further constraining businesses' ability to recruit.
Source
金吾资讯Neutral / independent
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US weekly jobless claims fall to 197,000, a 57-year low, signaling labor market stabilization