US jobless claims hold steady at 197,000, signaling labor market resilience
MarketsFN Data Team
Initial jobless claims edged down slightly to 197,000 for the week ending September 26, a drop of 1,000 (0.5%) from the previous week, reflecting continued stability in the labor market.
The latest figure remains below the 3-month (204,286), 1-year (213,151), and 5-year averages (220,236), and sits comfortably within the 52-week range of 189,000 to 235,000, underscoring the labor market's sustained strength compared to longer-term trends.
The 4-week moving average dipped to 200,000, its lowest level in recent months, suggesting a gradual tightening in labor market conditions as the trend continues to hover near historic lows.
Continued claims fell by 11,000 to 1,701,000, indicating fewer workers are remaining on unemployment benefits, a sign that job seekers are finding employment relatively quickly amid steady demand for labor.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Latest (week ending) | September 26, 2026 |
| Initial claims | 197,000 |
| WoW change | ▼ 1,000 (-0.5%) |
| 4-week moving avg | 200,000 |
| 3-month avg | 204,286 (-3.6% vs current) |
| 1-year avg | 213,151 (-7.6% vs current) |
| 5-year avg | 220,236 (-10.6% vs current) |
| 52-week high | 235,000 |
| 52-week low | 189,000 |
| Continued claims | 1,701,000 |
| Continued claims WoW | -11,000 (-0.6%) |
| Signal | Stable |
