Jobless claim levels fall to lowest point in 43 years

Washington Examiner:
The total number of laid-off workers receiving unemployment benefits fell to 1.89 million at the end of September, the Department of Labor reported Thursday, the lowest such mark in nearly 44 years.

And new claims for unemployment benefits dropped 15,000 to 243,000 in the first full week of October, according to the agency, as the job market bounces back from hurricane damage even faster than forecasters expected.

Low new jobless claims are a good sign. They indicate that layoffs are rare, and accordingly that job creation is strong.

Unemployment benefits are available for up to 26 weeks in most states. Fewer people are now receiving benefits of all duration than at any time since December of 1973, when the total workforce was much smaller. That is a reflection of the strength of the jobs market, and the availability of new positions for laid-off workers.
...
This story must not fit the mainstream media narrative because I did not see it on either of the NY Times or Washington Post opening page on their websites.   You get the impression they are suppressing good news about the economy under Trump.  If it had ever happened under Obama, I suspect it would be "above the fold" news.

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