US jobless claims dip slightly to 197,000 as labor market holds steady
MarketsFN Data Team
Initial jobless claims edged down by 2,000 to 197,000 in the week ending October 3, marking a 1.0% decline from the previous week and signaling continued stability in the labor market.
The latest figure remains below the 3-month average (203,000), 1-year average (212,660), and 5-year average (220,197), and sits comfortably within the 52-week range of 189,000 to 235,000, reflecting a resilient labor market despite broader economic uncertainties.
The 4-week moving average of initial claims ticked down to 198,000, suggesting a consistent, low-level trend in layoffs and reinforcing the view that employers remain hesitant to shed workers amid ongoing labor shortages.
Continued claims rose by 17,000 to 1,716,000, a 1.0% increase from the prior week, indicating slightly longer job search times for some unemployed workers, though the overall level remains historically low.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Latest (week ending) | October 03, 2026 |
| Initial claims | 197,000 |
| WoW change | â–Ľ 2,000 (-1.0%) |
| 4-week moving avg | 198,000 |
| 3-month avg | 203,000 (-3.0% vs current) |
| 1-year avg | 212,660 (-7.4% vs current) |
| 5-year avg | 220,197 (-10.5% vs current) |
| 52-week high | 235,000 |
| 52-week low | 189,000 |
| Continued claims | 1,716,000 |
| Continued claims WoW | +17,000 (+1.0%) |
| Signal | Stable |
