The latest reading came in below the 202,000 forecast, while the prior week's figure was revised up to 198,000 from 197,000.
Initial jobless claims in the United States totaled 199,000 in the week ending Aug. 1, coming in below the 202,000 expected. The previous reading was revised to 198,000 from 197,000, indicating the labor market remained relatively firm in the latest weekly data.