New claims for jobless benefits in the United States are rising more than expected. The data relating to the week ending 27 December showed a growth of 17 thousand units compared to the previous week, reaching 298 thousand. Analysts had forecast a more contained increase, to 286 units.
The average of the last four weeks - based on data from the US Department of Labor - settled at 290.750 units, an increase of 250 units compared to last week.
Continuing claims for benefits fell by 53 to 2 in the week ending December 353, while the four-week average stood at 20, down 2.414.250 from the previous week.
