Those south of the border filing for unemployment benefits rose more than expected last week, hitting their highest level in five months, but the underlying trend stayed consistent with a strengthening labour market.
Figures released Thursday morning by the U.S. Labor Department showed initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 17,000 to a seasonally adjusted 268,000 for the week ended Nov. 26, the highest level since June and marking the second straight week of increases. Claims for the prior week were unrevised.
Despite the hike, claims remained below the 300,000 threshold, which is associated with a healthy labour market, for the 91st straight week. That is the longest run since 1970, when the labour market was much smaller.
Economists had forecast first-time applications for jobless benefits in the U.S. rising to 253,000 in the latest week.
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