U.S. Jobless Claims Rise More Than Expected From 48-Year Low

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits rose by more than anticipated from a 48-year low while continuing to signal a tight job market, Labor Department figures showed Thursday.

Initial filings rose the most since the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The increase followed the period that included Presidents Day, and claims can be more volatile around weeks with holidays. Even with the latest rise, claims remain historically low, indicating employers prefer to hold on to workers amid a growing economy and a shrinking pool of qualified applicants.