U.S. Jobless Claims Stay Below 200,000 for 4 Weeks, Longest Since 1960s
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Oct 8
U.S. Jobless Claims Stay Below 200,000 for 4 Weeks, Longest Since 1960s
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Oct 8
Summary
New U.S. unemployment filings have remained under 200,000 for four straight weeks, marking the longest such stretch since the late 1960s and signaling exceptionally low layoffs.
Bill Adams of Fifth Third said claims are at “extremely low levels,” suggesting workers who already have jobs still enjoy strong job security even as hiring feels weaker for others.
That resilience contrasts with broad public gloom before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, as gas prices have surged and wage gains have failed to keep pace with inflation.
African Americans and recent college graduates are feeling the strain more acutely: Black unemployment reached 7% in September, underscoring a labor market with few layoffs but limited openings.