The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell again last week, hovering near a seven-month low.
The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claims fell by 6,000 to 213,000 in the week ending Nov. 16. That’s less than 220,000 analysts had predicted.
Despite ongoing claims, the number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits rose by 36,000 to 1.91 million in the week ending November 9. This was higher than expected and the most in three years.
While the number of new people filing for unemployment benefits each week remains at historically healthy levels, some people receiving benefits are finding it harder to find new jobs. This suggests that demand for workers is slowing even though the economy remains strong.
The four-week claims average, which calms weekly volatility, fell 3,750 to 217,750.
Weekly claims for unemployment benefits are considered a surrogate for US layoffs.
