DHAKA: The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell and hit a fresh three-month low last week, suggesting a strengthening in labour market conditions.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 315,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday. That was the lowest reading since late November.

Claims for the week ended March 1 were revised to show 1,000 more applications received than previously reported.

Economists polled by media had forecast first-time applications for jobless benefits rising to 330,000 in the week ended March 8, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1912 HRS, MAR 13, 2014