The data from
the Labor Department revealed on Thursday the number of applications for
unemployment benefits decreased last week, indicating the jobs market remains
tight even as the economy slows.
According to
the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits fell 1,000 to 211,000
for the week ended May 18.
Economists had
expected 215,000 new claims last week.
Claims for the
prior week were remained unchanged at 212,000.
Meanwhile, the
four-week moving average of claims fell 4,750 to 220,250 last week.