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Jobless Claims Hit 1969 Low as Unemployment Falls 4.2%

7/23/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Initial claims fell 22,000 to 187,000 ending July 18, the lowest since September 1969.
Continuing claims slipped 2,000 to 1.796 million in the week ending July 11, a six-week low.
June unemployment fell to 4.2% from 4.3% in May, a one-year low.
Oxford Economics economist Matthew Martin said the claim level could lower unemployment.
Interest-rate futures give a 40% chance the Federal Reserve will raise rates and a 0.25% hike by September.

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Story summary

Initial claims fell 22,000 to 187,000 ending July 18, the lowest since September 1969.
Continuing claims slipped 2,000 to 1.796 million in the week ending July 11, a six-week low.
June unemployment fell to 4.2% from 4.3% in May, a one-year low.
Oxford Economics economist Matthew Martin said the claim level could lower unemployment.
Interest-rate futures give a 40% chance the Federal Reserve will raise rates and a 0.25% hike by September.