The data from the Labor Department revealed on Thursday the number of applications for unemployment benefits rose slightly last week, indicating the labor market remains strong.

According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits increased by 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 205,000 for the week ended February 8.

Economists had expected 210,000 new claims last week.

Claims for the prior week were revised upwardly to 203,000 from the initial estimate of 202,000.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims remained unchanged at 212,000 last week.