US WEEKLY JOBLESS CLAIMS FALL TO 194 , 000 , BELOW EXPECTATIONS

What happened: US initial jobless claims fell by 6,000 to 194,000 for the week ending Oct. 17, below market expectations. Key numbers: Forecast was 200,000. Prior week revised up 1,000 to 200,000. Four-week average fell 1,000 to 197,750. Continuing claims rose 25,000 to 1.728 million. Insured unemployment rate unchanged at 1.1%. Why it matters: The claims figure came in under expectations, while the earlier September report showed payroll growth well below forecasts and a higher unemployment rate. Coverage: 4 outlets in 24h

US initial jobless claims fell by 6,000 to 194,000 for the week ending Oct. 17, below market expectations.

The claims figure came in under expectations, while the earlier September report showed payroll growth well below forecasts and a higher unemployment rate.