'Low-Hire, Low Fire, Low-Inspire' Economy Rolls On With Jobless Claims Holding Near 60-Year Lows

What happened: First-time US jobless claims fell to 194k last week, below the 198k expected and near 60-year lows. Continuing claims also ticked down, close to 3-year lows. Key numbers: 194k initial claims versus 198k expected; continuing claims near 3-year lows. Why it matters: The data points to a low-fire, low-hire labor market where employers hoard labor, but the source warns such an equilibrium can flip to firing quickly once margins compress, and claims would flag it last.

First-time US jobless claims fell to 194k last week, below the 198k expected and near 60-year lows. Continuing claims also ticked down, close to 3-year lows.

The data points to a low-fire, low-hire labor market where employers hoard labor, but the source warns such an equilibrium can flip to firing quickly once margins compress, and claims would flag it last.