The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits reportedly fell to a near 44-1/2-year low last week, supporting expectations of a sharp rebound in job growth in October after employment was depressed by hurricane-related disruptions in September.
Figures out Thursday by the U.S. Labor Department showed initial claims for state unemployment benefits decreased 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 229,000 for the week ended Oct. 28. That was not too far from 223,000, a 44-1/2-year low touched in mid-October.
Data for the prior week was revised to show 1,000 more applications received than previously reported. Economists had forecast claims rising to 235,000 in the latest week.
