Economics
U.S. Jobless Claims Declined More Than Forecast Last Week
- Filings for benefits fall 40,000 even as virus cases mount
- Continuing claims drop, though more on emergency programs
Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg
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Applications for U.S. state unemployment benefits fell more than forecast last week, suggesting the labor market remains on the path of gradual improvement -- while still far from its pre-pandemic health.
Initial jobless claims in regular state programs totaled 751,000 in the week ended Oct. 24, down 40,000 from the prior week, Labor Department data showed Thursday. On an unadjusted basis, the figure decreased by a little more than 28,000.