U.S. Jobless Claims at 197,000, a 57-Year Low

197,000 Americans filed new jobless claims, down 1,000, Reuters reported Oct. 1. That is a 57-year low, and the fourth straight week below 200,000. Ongoing claims fell to 1.701 million, lowest since April 2023. I read this as steady paychecks holding up, not stronger hiring. Weak hiring means trouble if layoffs rebound.