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 reading since mid-July, signaling that layoffs remain historically rare despite economic headwinds from elevated energy prices linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict. Employers are adding an average of 80,000 jobs per month in 2026 — a marked improvement over 2025's anemic 9,700 monthly average but still well below pre-pandemic norms. Businesses remain reluctant to reduce headcount, remembering post-pandemic labor shortages, though hiring growth is modest. The September jobs report, due next week, is expected to show roughly 52,500 new positions and an unemployment rate holding at 4.1%.