The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits for the first time rose last week, but experts say it could be the effect of the volatility that typically accompanies the transition from one year to the next.
Initial jobless claims rose by 25 to 19 in the week ended Jan. 348, while analysts expected a rise to 330, according to Labor Department data.
The previous week's figure was revised upwards from 326k to 329k.
The four-week average, which is more reliable as it is not subject to market fluctuations, grew by 750 units to 333. The figure remains below 400.000 units, a threshold which for analysts signals a stalemate.
The total number of workers receiving unemployment benefits for more than one week – relating to the week ending January 18, the last for which data is available – rose by 16 to 2.991.000.