U.S. initial jobless claims remain stable, with figures for the week ending October 18 at 232,000, consistent with September levels. Economist Oren Klachkin from Nationwide Financial Markets indicated that concerns would arise only if claims consistently surpassed 300,000 to 400,000. Klachkin and other economists see a near-term recession as unlikely, likening the labor market to the final stage of a marathon, where growth is slowing but expected to endure. Additionally, Q3 corporate earnings reflect business optimism about economic prospects extending into 2026.