September 24, 2026
First-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits edged slightly lower in the week ending on September 19th, according to a report released by the Labor Department on Thursday. The report said initial jobless claims slipped to 197,000, down 1,000 from the previous week's 198,000. The dip brought jobless claims to their lowest level since they hit a multi-decade low of 189,000 in the week ending on July 18th.
The Labor Department said the less volatile four-week moving average also edged down to 202,250, a decrease of 1,750 from the previous week's revised average of 204,000. Meanwhile, the report said continuing claims, a reading on the number of people receiving ongoing unemployment benefits, inched up by 2,000 to 1.719 million in the week ending on September 12th. The four-week moving average of continuing claims still fell to 1,744,000, a decrease of 13,000 from the previous week's average of 1,757,000. 09/24/2026 - 09:51:00 (RTTNews)
Euro traded at 1.1365 against USD at 9:00 AM PST
German business confidence rose to its highest level in more than three years in September as the economy continued its recovery. The business climate index rose from 88.8 in August to 89.9 in September. This was the highest score since May 2023. The current situation index climbed from 88.5 in August to 89.5 in September.
In manufacturing, sentiment improved again in September. However, companies assessed the current situation as somewhat worse. The business climate in the service sector turned positive. Companies were particularly more satisfied with their current business.
In trade, business confidence increased in September. Firms assessed their current situation more positively. However, retailers remained very cautious amid rising inflation. In construction, business confidence remained largely unchanged. While companies were somewhat more satisfied with their current business, their expectations were slightly lower. 09/24/2026 - 05:48:00 (RTTNews)
French manufacturing confidence remained positive and stable in September. The manufacturing sentiment index stood at 101 in September, the same as in the previous month. Moreover, the index stayed one point above its long-term average of 100. The index measuring personal production prospects strengthened from 12 to 15, and the past production index also rose from -4 to 0. The opinion regarding general production expectations improved somewhat, with the index rising from -10 to -9. There was a sharp rebound for the finished-goods inventory section, with the corresponding index rising from 6 to 13.
On the other hand, the overall order book balance was more negative in September, and the index weakened from -14 to -16. The foreign order balance remained stable at -12. The composite business confidence indicator decreased from 98 in August to 96 in September. The business climate indicator remained stable in industry and construction, while it deteriorated significantly in retail trade and more slightly in services and wholesale trade. 09/24/2026 - 08:21:00 (RTTNews)
British Pounds traded at 1.3211 against USD at 9:00 AM PST
UK retailers reported a sharp decline in sales volumes in September due to weak consumer sentiment, and they scaled back orders at the fastest rate on record. The retail sales balance fell from -48% in August to -55% in September. About 40% of retailers judged sales to be "poor" in September compared to -26% last month. The balance of online retail sales volumes plunged from -43% in the previous month to -68%. Retailers reported a steep fall in annual sales volumes in September, with some firms attributing the deterioration to poor consumer sentiment. 09/24/2026 - 07:33:00 (RTTNews)
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