The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose slightly more than expected last week, but remained in territory consistent with a strengthening labour market.
Initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 2,000 to a seasonally-adjusted 279,000 for the week ended June 6, the U.s. Labor Department said on Thursday.
Claims for the prior week were revised to show 1,000 more applications received than previously reported.
It was the 14th straight week that claims held below the 300,000 threshold, which is usually associated with a firming labour market.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims edging up to 277,000.
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