The data from the Labor Department revealed on Thursday the number of applications for unemployment benefits fell last week, pointing to still strong labor market conditions despite signs that economic activity was slowing.

According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 8,000 to a seasonally adjusted 209,000 for the week ended August 3.

Economists had expected 215,000 new claims last week.

Claims for the prior week were revised upwardly to 217,000 from the initial estimate of 215,000.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims edged up 250 to 212,250 last week.