U.S. initial jobless claims for the week ending October 3 totaled 197,000, coming in below the consensus forecast of 200,000. The lower-than-expected figure signals continued strength in the labor market. The prior week's claims were revised upward to 199,000 from an initially reported 197,000. Despite the revision, the latest data maintains a downward trend in unemployment filings, reinforcing expectations of sustained employment stability.