WASHINGTON, Sept 9 (Reuters) - New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week to their lowest level in two months, a hopeful sign for the troubled labor market.
Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 27,000 to a seasonally adjusted 451,000, the lowest since the week ended July 10, the Labor Department said on Thursday.
Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast claims dipping to 470,000 from the previously reported 472,000 the prior week, which was revised up to 478,000 in Thursday's report. (Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by James Dalgleish)