The Investor
10 Sep 2026, 15:39
U.S. Jobless Claims Remain Stable as Housing Sales Fall and GDPNow Estimate Eases
U.S. economic data released Thursday painted a mixed picture, with the labor market remaining relatively resilient while housing activity weakened and the Atlanta Fed lowered its estimate for third-quarter economic growth.
Initial jobless claims came in at 206,000, slightly above the 205,000 forecast but down from 207,000 previously. Continuing claims declined to 1.774 million from 1.775 million, also coming in below expectations of 1.780 million. The figures suggest layoffs remain contained despite tighter financial conditions.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow estimate for third-quarter growth was lowered to 4.4% from 4.7%, pointing to some moderation in the pace of economic expansion.
Housing data showed clearer weakness. Existing home sales fell 2.0% month over month in August to an annualized 3.98 million units, matching expectations but declining from 4.06 million in July.
Overall, the data showed an economy that remains relatively firm but is losing some momentum. For the Federal Reserve, resilient jobless claims combined with elevated inflation and surging energy prices could complicate the case for monetary easing, even as softer housing activity and the lower GDPNow estimate point to emerging growth risks.
U.S. economic data released Thursday painted a mixed picture, with the labor market remaining relatively resilient while housing activity weakened and the Atlanta Fed lowered its estimate for third-quarter economic growth.
Initial jobless claims came in at 206,000, slightly above the 205,000 forecast but down from 207,000 previously. Continuing claims declined to 1.774 million from 1.775 million, also coming in below expectations of 1.780 million. The figures suggest layoffs remain contained despite tighter financial conditions.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow estimate for third-quarter growth was lowered to 4.4% from 4.7%, pointing to some moderation in the pace of economic expansion.
Housing data showed clearer weakness. Existing home sales fell 2.0% month over month in August to an annualized 3.98 million units, matching expectations but declining from 4.06 million in July.
Overall, the data showed an economy that remains relatively firm but is losing some momentum. For the Federal Reserve, resilient jobless claims combined with elevated inflation and surging energy prices could complicate the case for monetary easing, even as softer housing activity and the lower GDPNow estimate point to emerging growth risks.
