Investing.com - The number of people who filed for unemployment assistance in the U.S. last week fell more than expected, according to official data released on Thursday.
The number of individuals filing for initial jobless benefits decreased by 1,000 to 222,000 the Labor Department said.
Analysts had expected claims of 223,000 last week.
Figures for the prior week were revised up to 223,000.
The four-week moving average rose by 2,750 to 225,500 last week. The monthly average is seen as a more accurate gauge of labor trends because it reduces volatility in the week-to-week data.
Continuing jobless claims, which measures the number of people still receiving benefits after an initial week of aid, came in at 174,100 in the previous week. Continuing claims are reported with a one week lag.