US initial jobless claims fell, indicating that the labor market remains stable.
The US Department of Labor said on the 9th that initial claims for unemployment benefits totaled 215,000 for the previous week (June 28 to July 4), a decrease of 2,000 from the prior week. The figure came in below the 218,000 forecast by analysts compiled by Dow Jones.
Continuing claims, filed by those who have applied for unemployment benefits for two weeks or more, rose by 8,000 from the previous week to 1.814 million for the week of June 21 to 27. The increase in continuing claims is interpreted as reflecting a seasonal factor, as claims from part-time school staff and others rose in line with the start of summer vacation.
