US Jobless Claims Drop to 190,000, Lowest Level Since September

Applications for US unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, sliding to the lowest level since September and underscoring a strong jobs market where many businesses are reluctant to let go of workers.

Initial unemployment claims decreased by 15,000 to 190,000 in the week ended Jan. 14, Labor Department data showed Thursday. The median forecast was for 214,000 applications, but the data can be particularly volatile and difficult to seasonally adjust in the winter months and around holidays.

Continuing claims, or the number of people who have already filed an initial application and are now claiming unemployment benefits, rose to ...