The data from the Labor Department revealed on Thursday the number of applications for unemployment benefits went up last week, pointing to underlying market strength despite a steep slowdown in job growth in May.

According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits fell 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 216,000 for the week ended June 15.

Economists had expected 220,000 new claims last week.

Claims for the prior week were remained unchanged at 222,000.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims increased 1,000 to 218,750 last week.