The number of American workers filing for unemployment benefits for the first time in the United States rose slightly last week, but overall the labor market is continuing to improve.
Initial jobless claims rose by 18 to 1.000 in the week ending Jan. 326.000, according to the Labor Department, while analysts expected growth to 330.000. The previous week's figure was revised downwards from 326.000 to 325.000.
The four-week average, more reliable as it is not subject to market fluctuations, fell by 3.750 units to 331.500. The figure remains below 400.000 units, a threshold which according to analysts signals a stalemate.
The overall number of workers receiving unemployment benefits for more than a week - relating to the week ending January 11, the latest for which data is available - rose by 34.000 to 3.056.000.
