The data from the Labor Department revealed on Thursday the number of applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly held at a two-month high last week, but the trend remained consistent with tightening labor market conditions.
According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits were unchanged at a seasonally adjusted 230,000 for the week ended April 27.
Economists had expected 215,000 new claims last week.
Claims for the prior week were remained unchanged at 230,000.
Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims rose 6,500 to 212,500 last week.