US initial jobless claims rise more than expected
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits grew more than expected last week, according to data from the Labor Department.
US initial jobless claims rose 20,000 from the previous week's unrevised level to 245,000. Economists had been expecting a smaller increase to 231,000.
Meanwhile, the four-week moving average came in at 236,000, up 1,250 from the previous week's unrevised average.
The four-week average is considered more reliable as it smooths out sharp fluctuations in the more volatile weekly figures, giving a more accurate picture of the health of the labour market.
The Commerce Department said claims taking procedures continue to be disrupted in the Virgin Islands, while the process in Puerto Rico has still not returned to normal.