U.S. Jobless Claims Hold Steady, Bucking Forecasts for a Decline

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits unexpectedly held at a two-month high last week, possibly reflecting the late timing of this year’s Easter holiday and spring vacations.

Jobless claims were unchanged at 230,000 in the week ended April 27, according to Labor Department figures released Thursday, compared with economist estimates for a decline to 215,000. The four-week average, a less-volatile measure, increased to 212,500, the highest since late March.