The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits rose last week. This moved the four-week moving average of claims to its highest level in just over a year.
Initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 239,000 for the week ended Feb. 9, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Data for the prior week was revised up to show 1,000 more applications received than previously reported. Despite the recent jump in claims, layoffs remain low amid companies struggling to find workers.