Applications for unemployment benefits are down in the US

Jobless claims fell in the United States last week, down from 409 from 421 reported the previous week. These are the data published today by the Department of Labor in Washington.
Applications for the period 21-27 August were thus reduced by 3% compared to the previous week. This is a positive result, but lower than that forecast by analysts on the eve (407 thousand). Ministerial sources had already indicated that the increase in registrations on the employment lists between August 7 and 20 was due, at least in part, to the union conflict which had affected the telecommunications group Verizon.
The official figures, again from the Department of Labor, on employment and unemployment in August are expected for tomorrow. Economists expect a notable slowdown in net job creation (to 73 for the month) and a stable unemployment rate at 9,1 percent.