Jobless claims ease but four-week average rises

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week but a trend reading rose to its highest since January, the latest sign of a weaker pace of healing in the still-struggling labor market.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, according to a government

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, which could ease fears of a marked deterioration in labour market conditions after a surprise stumble in job growth in March.

WASHINGTON – The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment aid fell last week to nearly its lowest level in 4 1/2 years, a sign that the labour market is healing. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 12,000 to a seasonally adjusted 350,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday. The prior week’s figure was revised to show 1,000 more applications than previously reported.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S.

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, pointing to moderate job growth despite slowing economic activity. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits declined 11,000 to a seasonally adjusted 346,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Claims for the prior week were revised to show 3,000 more applications received than previously reported. Economists polled by Reuters had expected first-time applications to fall to 345,000 last week.