Unemployment Claims Drop to 197,000 — Lowest Since Mid-July as Layoffs Remain Rare

NewsData.io · United States · Sep 24, 2026

Initial jobless claims fell to 197,000 last week, the lowest since mid-July, signaling that layoffs remain historically rare despite economic headwinds. Employers have added an average of 80,000 jobs per month in 2026, a marked improvement over the weak 9,700 monthly average in 2025, though hiring remains well below recent historical norms. Businesses are holding onto workers amid memories of post-pandemic labor shortages, but are hiring only modestly. The September jobs report, due next week, is expected to show roughly 52,500 new jobs added with unemployment holding at 4.1%.