Investing.com - U.S. initial jobless claims fell in line with expectations last week, staying in territory consistent with a strengthening labor market.
The Department of Labor said the number of Americans filing for initial jobless benefits fell by 5,000 to 271,000.
First-time jobless claims have now held below the 300,000-level for 36 weeks, which is usually associated with a firming labor market.
Indications of sustained strength in the labor market could encourage the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates next month.