The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased last week, signaling continued resilience in the labor market. Initial jobless claims dropped by 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 206,000 for the week ended August 15, according to data released by the Labor Department on Thursday.
Economists surveyed by Reuters had projected claims would total 210,000. The latest figure brings claims closer to the lower end of the 189,000 to 230,000 range observed this year, reflecting a historically tight labor market.
Continuing claims, which track the number of people receiving benefits after an initial week of aid, increased by 18,000 to 1.799 million in the week ended August 8. The U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 4.1% last month, remaining near multi-decade lows.
The Labor Department’s report follows recent comments from Federal Reserve officials, who have cited labor market strength as a key factor in their assessment of monetary policy. The data may influence expectations for the central bank’s next interest rate decision.
