US Department of Labor data released on Thursday showed that initial jobless claims for the week ending September 19 decreased by 1,000 from the previous week to 197,000, the lowest level since July and one of the lowest readings since 1969. The four-week moving average, which measures the trend in new applications, fell to 202,250, a six-week low. Bloomberg economist Eliza Winger stated that initial jobless claims remain at extremely low levels, indicating stable labor market conditions and no signs yet of high interest rates driving layoffs.