(Adds comment from Labor Department in paragraph 3, adds file photos)

**

Initial claims hold steady during that period

*Homebuilder sentiment remains depressed in November

By Lucia Mutikani

WASHINGTON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - The number of Americans on jobless benefits surged between mid-September and mid-October, government data showed on Tuesday, suggesting an elevated unemployment rate in October as an uncertain economic environment discourages hiring.

A Labor Department spokesperson said "a technical issue caused the early posting of partial data," adding "this is being corrected and the complete series will be available by close of business on Nov. 20, 2025," a Labor Department spokesperson said in response to a query from Reuters.

No official weekly claims data had been published s

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