New Delhi, Sept. 24 -- US initial jobless claims fell to 197,000 in the week ended September 19, suggesting continued stability in labour market conditions even as the pace of hiring and employment growth remains closely watched.

The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims declined by 1,000 from the previous week's revised level of 198,000, according to data released by the US Department of Labor on Thursday. The four-week moving average also fell to 202,250 from a revised 204,000 in the previous week.

The latest reading was below the 207,000 claims recorded in the comparable week a year earlier, while the four-week average was also lower than the 236,750 recorded a year ago, indicating that new claims remain relatively co...