UNEMPLOYMENT LINES ARE SHORTER THAN ANY TIME SINCE THE 1960S

What happened: Unemployment claims fell to 194,000 last week, the first six-week stretch since 1969 with fewer than 200,000 new filings. Economists describe a "low-hire, low-fire" labor market where employers are reluctant to expand or cut staff. Key numbers: 194,000 claims last week, down from 200,000 the prior week. Why it matters: Forecasters expect unemployment to stay low, which the content says gives the Federal Reserve more room to focus on fighting inflation, potentially meaning a higher fed funds rate and higher borrowing costs.

Unemployment claims fell to 194,000 last week, the first six-week stretch since 1969 with fewer than 200,000 new filings. Economists describe a "low-hire, low-fire" labor market where employers are reluctant to expand or cut staff.

Forecasters expect unemployment to stay low, which the content says gives the Federal Reserve more room to focus on fighting inflation, potentially meaning a higher fed funds rate and higher borrowing costs.