Unemployment Claims Drop to 197,000 — Lowest Since Mid-July as Layoffs Stay Rare
NewsData.io · United States · Sep 24, 2026
Weekly jobless claims fell to 197,000, the lowest level since mid-July, reinforcing the picture of a labor market where layoffs remain historically rare. Employers are adding an average of 80,000 jobs per month so far this year — an improvement over 2025's weak 9,700 monthly average but still well below recent norms. Businesses remain reluctant to cut staff given memories of post-pandemic labor shortages, though hiring is modest. The September jobs report, due next week, is expected to show approximately 52,500 new jobs and an unemployment rate holding at 4.1%.
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