Initial Jobless Claims Declined to 194,000 in Week Ending October 17

Washington, DC, October 22, 2026—In the week ending October 17, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 194,000, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week’s revised level, according to the Department of Labor. 

The previous week’s level was revised up by 1,000 from 199,000 to 200,000. The four-week moving average was 197,750, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week’s revised average. The previous week’s average was revised up by 250 from 198,500 to 198,750.