The Number Of New Claims For Unemployment Benefits In The U.S. Fell To Its Lowest Level Since 1969

• 23.07.2026, 18:08

This figure significantly exceeded economists' forecasts.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits for the first time unexpectedly fell last week, reaching its lowest level since September 1969. This was reported by Reuters.

According to the Department of Labor, the number of initial claims for the week ending July 18 fell by 22,000 to a seasonally adjusted 187,000. This figure significantly exceeded economists’ forecasts, which had predicted a rise to 212,000. The total number of people continuing to receive benefits for more than a week also fell to a six-week low of 1.796 million. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate in June unexpectedly fell to a one-year low of 4.2%.