DHAKA: The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell for a second week last week, suggesting labour market conditions continue to steadily improve.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits slipped 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 339,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday, reports The Straits Times.

Claims for the prior week were revised to show 3,000 more applications received than previously reported.

The four-week moving average for new claims rose 8,500 to 357,250 as the holiday-related volatility lingers.

A Labor Department analyst said no states had been estimated. While claims data continue to be plagued by seasonal volatility, there has been an acceleration in job growth.

BDST: 2039 HRS, JAN 02, 2014
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor