The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell last week from its highest level in nearly four years.
Data released by the US Department of Labor on Thursday revealed that initial jobless claims fell by 33,000 to 231,000 in the week ending Sept. 13.
The number of claims was expected to fall to 241,000, compared to the previous week's revised figure of 264,000.
The four-week average of claims (a more accurate measure of labor market performance) also fell by 750 to 240,000, compared to the previous week's revised average of 250,000 to 240,750.
This data comes the day after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25% amid a weak labor market.
Weekly US Jobless Claims |
||||
Item |
Last Year |
Last Week |
Current Week |
Change |
Initial Claims (‘000) |
222 |
264 |
231 |
(33) |
Four-Week Average (‘000) |
228.0 |
240.75 |
240 |
(0.75) |
Total Beneficiaries (mln) |
1.827 |
1.927 |
1.920 |
(0.007) |
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