The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, pointing to a still low level of layoffs that could ease fears over the labor market's health. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 4,

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 33,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 258,000 for the week ended October 5.

Weekly jobless claims climbed higher than expected following the devastation of Hurricane Helene on several states, and economists expect Milton to have further impacts.