Jobs
US Jobless Claims Drop to 190,000, Lowest Level Since September
- Four-week moving average declined to an eight-month low
- Continuing claims rose after falling in two previous weeks
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Applications for US unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, sliding to the lowest level since September and underscoring a strong jobs market where many businesses are reluctant to let go of workers.
Initial unemployment claims decreased by 15,000 to 190,000 in the week ended Jan. 14, Labor Department data showed Thursday. The median forecast was for 214,000 applications, but the data can be particularly volatile and difficult to seasonally adjust in the winter months and around holidays.