[The Hill] Applications for unemployment benefits fell to a new 49-year low for the third straight week, reflecting a tight job market.U.S. filings for jobless claims fell 3,000 to a seasonally adjusted 201,000 in the week ended Sept. 15, the lowest level since Nov. 15 1969, the Labor Department said Thursday.
The four-week moving average, which is a better gauge for the direction of job market, was 205,750, a decrease of 2,250 from the previous week's 208,000, the lowest level since Dec. 6, 1969 when it was 204,500.
The effects of Hurricane Florence, which hit North Carolina and South Carolina last weekend, on jobs is not yet known.
The storm, which has caused widespread flooding across the two states, may temporarily push up unemployment figures in the next few weeks like Hurricanes Harvey and Irma did last year.