Initial Jobless Claims declined by 15,000 in the latest week, as the number of people filing for unemployment benefits for the first time fell to 190,000. Continuing Claims, which measure people who continue to receive benefits after their initial claim is filed, rose 17,000 to 1.647 million.

What’s the bottom line? Continuing Claims have been trending higher since mid-September when they were at 1.346 million. This reflects a potential slowdown in the pace of hiring, suggesting it’s becoming harder for many to find a job once they’re let go.