U.S. Jobless Claims Increase While Remaining Near 48-Year Low

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits rose by the most in six weeks while still hovering near historically low levels that indicate a tight job market, Labor Department figures showed Thursday.

Even with the weekly increase, claims remain near the lowest in almost five decades, indicating the labor market remains robust. Job openings reached a record high in March, and a widespread, persistent shortage of qualified workers is causing employers to retain staff, sometimes using bonuses and non-financial perks to keep people in key roles.