• Prior 209K (revised to 212K)
• Continuing claims 1799K vs 1790K expected
• Prior 1777K (revised to 1781K)

Initial jobless claims fell to 206,000 for the week ending August 15, below the 210,000 consensus forecast. The previous week’s figure was revised higher to 212,000 from 209,000.

The data suggest that employers continue to hold onto workers despite signs of moderation. Initial claims remain well below levels typically associated with a deteriorating labor market, reinforcing the view that layoffs are still relatively scarce.

Continuing claims, which measure the number of people already receiving unemployment benefits, rose to 1.799 million, above the 1.790 million expected. The prior week’s figure was also revised higher to 1.781 million from 1.777 million.

Overall, the data points to some stabilisation after the strengthening seen in the prior months.