The US Labor Department reported a decrease in first time unemployment filings for the week ending Sept. 12. Initial claims fell to 196,000, below the 206,500 forecast and a 10,000 drop from the previous week's 206,000. Continuing claims also fell to 1.73 million, fewer than the 1.779 million estimate.

This weekly total represents the lowest level of jobless claims since July and adds to signals of a stable labor market. The number of individuals remaining on unemployment benefits declined from the prior reading of 1.774 million.