US weekly jobless claims fall as layoffs remain low - WTVB

WASHINGTON, Oct 8 (Reuters) – The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, pointing to continued labor market stability despite job growth slowing sharply in September. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits ​slipped 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 197,000 for the week ended ‌October 3, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 200,000 claims for the latest week. Claims have held near 57-year lows for four straight weeks, consistent with what economists said remained a “low-hire, low-fire” labor market. Nonfarm payrolls increased by a paltry 29,000 jobs ‌in ​September, the government reported last week.