Initial Jobless Claims Declined by 2,000 in Week Ending October 3

Washington, DC, October 8, 2026—In the week ending October 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 197,000, a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week’s revised level, according to the Department of Labor. 

The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 197,000 to 199,000. The

4-week moving average was 198,000, a decrease of 2,500 from the previous week’s revised average. The previous week’s average was revised up by 500 from 200,000 to 200,500.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.1% for the week ending September 26, unchanged from the previous week’s unrevised rate.