Jobless Claims in the U.S. Fall to the Lowest in Almost 50 Years

Unemployment lines across the U.S. last week were the shortest since December 1969, according to Labor Department figures released Thursday. Jobless claims unexpectedly dropped by 8,000 to 207,000, an encouraging sign that the July employment report will remain robust. The claims figures are in sync with other reports showing employers are competing for a limited pool of qualified workers.