The data from the Labor Department revealed on Thursday the number of applications for unemployment benefits rose moderately last week, pointing to strong labor market conditions.

According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits increased 8,000 to a seasonally adjusted 216,000 for the week ended July 13.

Economists had expected 216,000 new claims last week.

Claims for the prior week were revised downwardly to 208,000 from the initial estimate of 209,000.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims decreased by 250 to 218,750 last week.