Economics
U.S. Jobless Claims Resume Drop in Sign of Gradual Improvement
- Continuing claims in state programs drop by more than forecast
- Figures remain elevated compared with before pandemic
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The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits resumed its decline, signaling a gradual improvement in the battered labor market.
Jobless claims in regular state programs decreased by 33,000 to 860,000 in the week ended Sept. 12, which coincides with the reference period for the government’s monthly jobs report, according to Labor Department figures released Thursday. Continuing claims, the total number of Americans on state benefit rolls, fell by almost 1 million, to 12.6 million, in the week ended Sept. 5.