New applications for U.S. unemployment benefits declined to 194,000, their lowest level since mid-July, indicating that employers continue to lay off relatively few workers. The four-week average also fell to 196,750, with weekly claims remaining at or below 200,000 for seven consecutive weeks. Despite the low level of layoffs, hiring remains subdued, with employers adding only 29,000 jobs in September compared with an average of 68,000 per month so far this year. The figures suggest that while existing employees are generally retaining their jobs, workers seeking new employment may face fewer opportunities in a cautious labor market.
See "US unemployment claims slide to 194,000, the lowest since mid-July", Paul Wiseman, AP News, November 2, 2026