Weekly Economic Update (Oct. 19-23, 2026)

October 28, 2026

min read

Download as a PDF

Weekly Economic Update (Oct. 19-23, 2026)

Quick snapshot of what this article covers:

Key Points

Initial claims for unemployment insurance remain low despite the subdued pace of job growth.

Last week, the 4-week average of initial claims fell to 197,750 - the lowest level seen since 2022.

Initial Claims for Unemployment Insurance, Seasonally-Adjusted

*Source:* *Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report, U.S. Employment and Training Administration*

About Author

Jeff Bridges

Chief Economist, Enact

Read All Articles

Jeff Bridges is Enact’s Chief Economist and is responsible for macroeconomic and housing market forecasts and analysis. Jeff holds B.S. and M.A. degrees in Economics from George Mason University, where Jeff is currently a doctoral candidate in Economics. Jeff’s areas of specialization include macroeconomic theory, financial economics, and industrial organization.