The data from the Labor Department revealed on Thursday the number of applications for unemployment benefits fell slightly more than expected last week, pointing to ongoing labor market strength.

According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 13,000 to a seasonally adjusted 222,000 for the week ended December 21.

Economists had expected 224,000 new claims last week.

Claims for the prior week were revised upwardly to 235,000 from the initial estimate of 234,000.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims edged up 2,250 to 228,000, the highest level since mid-February.