Investing.com - The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, remaining in territory consistent with a firming labor market.
Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell by 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 234,000 for the week ended April 8, the Labor Department said on Thursday.
The prior week's figure was revised up to 235,000 from a previously reported 234,000.
Claims below the 300,000 threshold are usually associated with a firming labor market.
Continuing jobless claims decreased to 2.028 million from 2.035 million in the preceding week, in line with forecasts.
The four-week moving average was 247,250, a drop of 3,000 from the previous week's revised reading of 250,250.
The four-week moving average of claims is considered a better measure of labor market trends as it irons out week-to-week volatility.