US unemployment claims fall to lowest level since mid-July

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 14:24 · Archive

Unemployment claims in the United States fell to 189,000 last week, the fewest since mid-July, down from 195,000 the previous week. The Labor Department reported that the four-week average of claims dipped to 194,750. Applications for jobless benefits serve as a proxy for layoffs and help economists gauge the direction of the job market.

Layoffs remain scarce and most workers enjoy job security. Claims have stayed at historically low levels throughout the year, never exceeding 230,000 in a single week and remaining at or below 200,000 for eight consecutive weeks.

So far this year, employers have added an average of 68,000 jobs a month, including 29,000 last month. This represents an improvement from 2025, when monthly job creation averaged 9,700 as high interest rates and President Donald Trump's unpredictable trade policies discouraged hiring. Consumer spending has remained resilient and investment in artificial intelligence has lifted economic growth.

The Labor Department will release October hiring numbers on Friday, expected to show 65,000 jobs added that month, with unemployment forecast to remain at 4.2 per cent.

How it is being reported

• Unemployment claims drop to 189,000, the fewest since mid-JulyFewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as layoffs remain scarce and most workers enjoy job security.Clickorlando · 5 Nov, 13:32
• Unemployment claims drop to 189,000, the fewest since mid-JulyFewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as layoffs remain scarce and most workers enjoy job security.News4Jax · 5 Nov, 13:32

In this story: United States · Labor Department · Donald Trump

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