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US unemployment claims dip to 197,000, lowest since mid-July
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • business
Key Points:
- Initial U.S. jobless claims decreased slightly to 197,000 last week, marking the lowest level since mid-July and indicating continued low layoffs and strong job security for American workers.
- The four-week average of claims dropped to 200,000, remaining historically low and signaling a stable labor market despite recent economic pressures like higher energy prices.
- The Labor Department's August report showed fewer job openings, reduced layoffs, and a slight decline in quits, suggesting cautious hiring but reluctance among businesses to release current employees.
- Employers have been adding an average of 80,000 jobs monthly in 2026, a significant improvement from 2025 but still below the hiring levels seen in 2023 and the post-pandemic boom years.
- The upcoming September jobs report is expected to show a gain of 90,000 jobs and a steady unemployment rate of 4.1%, reflecting ongoing moderate job growth and labor market resilience.
