Initial jobless claims in the United States fell in the week ending July 4. The figure came in below expectations. Continuing claims also showed a modest change.
Initial jobless claims reached a seasonally adjusted level of 215,000 in the week ending July 4. This marked a decrease of 2,000 from the prior week and fell short of the 218,000 forecast.
The data reflect the number of people filing for unemployment benefits for the first time. Analysts track these figures as an indicator of labor market conditions.
Continuing jobless claims stood at 1,814,000 in the week ending June 20. The total rose by 8,000 from the previous week yet remained below the projected 1,820,000.
