US WEEKLY UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS NEAR 57 - YEAR LOW

What happened: US initial jobless claims fell by 6,000 to 194,000 for the week ending Oct. 17, near a 57-year low, according to a Department of Labor report released on Oct. 22. Key numbers: Claims 194,000, down 6,000; prior week revised to 200,000; forecast 200,000; four-week average below 198,000; July low 189,000, lowest since 1969; Why it matters: The lack of layoffs keeps the labor market stable, and Conference Board economists say the data give the Fed ample reason to see full employment, though continuing claims rose and the job hunt remains challenging for those out of work. Coverage: 4 outlets in 24h

US initial jobless claims fell by 6,000 to 194,000 for the week ending Oct. 17, near a 57-year low, according to a Department of Labor report released on Oct. 22.

The lack of layoffs keeps the labor market stable, and Conference Board economists say the data give the Fed ample reason to see full employment, though continuing claims rose and the job hunt remains challenging for those out of work.