US initial jobless claims for the week ending October 3 came in at 197,000, below the 200,000 expected, with the prior week revised up to 199,000, while Fed Governor Waller said more rate hikes are still needed but the Fed will stay flexible on pace.
The lower-than-expected claims figure signals the labor market remains resilient, and Waller's comments keep the door open to further tightening rather than imminent cuts. That combination can support USD and push US Treasury yields higher, while pressuring Gold and rate-sensitive growth stocks.