New claims for unemployment benefits in the United States rose, but less than expected last week, according to a government report on Thursday that hinted at an improvement in labor market conditions.
Initial claims for state unemployment benefits climbed 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 401,000, the Labor Department said, from a revised 395,000 the prior week.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims rising to 410,000 from the previously reported 391,000.
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