The prior reading was 197,000, leaving last week's first-time unemployment benefit applications modestly lower than expected, according to Cailianshe in a report cited by PANews on Aug. 6.
U.S. initial jobless claims, a closely watched measure of first-time filings for unemployment benefits, totaled 199,000 last week. That was below the 205,000 estimate and compared with a previous reading of 197,000, according to Cailianshe in a report cited by PANews on Aug. 6. The figures indicate labor market conditions that were slightly stronger than expected based on this weekly indicator.