U.S. Initial Jobless Claims Stay Near 60-Year Lows at 194,000

U.S. initial unemployment benefit filings totaled 194,000, below a 198,000 forecast, keeping the measure near levels last seen roughly six decades ago. Continuing claims also edged down and remained close to a three-year low.

The filing count does not show job prospects for everyone out of work. Many people newly entering or returning to the labor force, along with many gig workers, generally cannot file for unemployment benefits.