Unemployment Claims Hit Lowest Point Since July at 196,000
WHO:
ABC News - The Labor Department reported on unemployment claims.
Bloomberg Markets - Michael McKee reported on Bloomberg Television.
WHAT:
ABC News - Job creation averaged 80,000 jobs a month this year, an improvement from an average of 9,700 in 2025.
ABC News - The average monthly job creation in 2023 and 2024 was 166,000, while the hiring boom from 2021-2022 averaged 491,000 jobs a month.
ABC News - The number of people applying for unemployment benefits dropped to 196,000, the lowest since mid-July.
ABC News - Jobless claims slid from 206,000 the week before.
ABC News - The four-week average of claims dropped to 203,250.
Bloomberg Markets - Applications for US unemployment benefits decreased by 10,000 to 196,000 in the week ended Sep. 12.
ABC News - Economists had expected claims to be at 207,500 according to a survey by FactSet.
ABC News - Employers have been adding an average of 80,000 jobs a month this year, including 162,000 in August.
WHERE:
ABC News - The report was issued in Washington.
WHEN:
Bloomberg Markets - The week ended Sep. 12.
WHY:
ABC News - High interest rates and President Trump's ever-changing trade policies discouraged hiring in 2025.
ABC News - Layoffs remain low as businesses are reluctant to let go of staff due to past labor shortages following pandemic lockdowns.
ABC News - Higher gasoline prices have squeezed businesses and consumers since the fighting with Iran began on Feb. 28.
HOW:
ABC News - Claims for jobless benefits are a proxy for layoffs, which economists monitor to gauge the job market's direction.
(UPDATED September 17, 2026 17:00 UTC)
Job creation has seen a significant uptick, averaging 80,000 jobs a month this year, a notable improvement from just 9,700 in 2025. In comparison, the average monthly job creation for 2023 and 2024 was 166,000, while the hiring boom from 2021 to 2022 soared to an impressive 491,000 jobs a month. This shift comes as high interest rates and President Trump's fluctuating trade policies had previously discouraged hiring in 2025.
--
(UPDATED September 17, 2026 13:59 UTC)
The Labor Department has reported a significant drop in unemployment claims, with applications for benefits decreasing by 10,000 to 196,000 for the week ended September 12, marking the lowest level since mid-July. Economists had anticipated claims to be higher, around 207,500, but the four-week average also fell to 203,250, indicating a stable job market as employers continue to add an average of 80,000 jobs per month this year. This trend is supported by low layoffs, as businesses remain cautious about staffing decisions due to previous labor shortages experienced after pandemic lockdowns.