# US Jobless Claims Near 57-Year Low

> US jobless claims hit 57-year low for fourth week as labor market stabilizes.
- Title: US Jobless Claims Near 57-Year Low · The Economic Times
- Summary: US jobless claims hit 57-year low for fourth week as labor market stabilizes. US jobless claims fell to 197,000 for the week ended October 3, marking four…
- Keywords: us jobless claims, labor market, unemployment benefits, labor department, unemployment rate, federal reserve, interest rates, money, business, Jobless, Claims, Near
- Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/us-stocks/news/us-jobless-claims-hover-near-57-year-low-for-fourth-consecutive-week/articleshow/134793234.cms
- Author: Reuters
- Published: 2026-10-08T14:16:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: us jobless claims, labor market, unemployment benefits, labor department, unemployment rate, federal reserve, interest rates, money, business
## US jobless claims
Weekly jobless claims fell to 197,000 for the week ended October 3, 2026.
## Labor market stability
Claims have remained near 57-year lows for four consecutive weeks, indicating continued labor market stability.
## Economists' view
Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, described the job market as 'low-hire, low-fire'.

> It's still a 'low-hire, low-fire' job market
## Federal Reserve action
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.75%-4.00% in its latest move.
## Job growth slowdown
Nonfarm payrolls increased by 29,000 jobs in September, the weakest job growth since 2022.
## Continued claims
Continued claims rose 17,000 to 1.716 million, a 3-1/2-year low for the week ended September 26.
## Unemployment rate
The unemployment rate stood at 4.2% in September, near a 4-1/2-year high.
## Key takeaway

US jobless claims fell to 197,000 for the week ended October 3, marking four consecutive weeks near 57-year lows.