US jobless claims fall to lowest level since 1969

Initial applications for unemployment benefits declined last week, marking the lowest reading in more than five decades, Bloomberg reported.

Summary

Initial applications for U.S. unemployment benefits fell last week to their lowest level since 1969, signaling continued strength in the labor market. Weekly jobless claims are a closely watched indicator of layoffs and employment conditions, and such a low reading suggests employers are holding on to workers even as investors assess the broader economic outlook, Bloomberg reported.

Terms & Concepts
  • jobless claims: Weekly applications for unemployment benefits
  • unemployment benefits: Government payments to eligible jobless workers