The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week, but the trend remained consistent with solid labor market momentum that could keep the Federal Reserve on track to raise interest rates this year.
The Labor Department said on Thursday, initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 277,000 for the week ended Aug. 15.
Claims for the prior week were revised to show 1,000 fewer applications received than previously reported.
Economists had forecast claims slipping to 272,000 last week.