The data from the Labor Department revealed on Thursday the number of applications for unemployment benefits remained unchanged last week, indicating the jobs market remains tight even as the economy slows.

According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits stood at 218,000 for the week ended June 1.

Economists had expected 215,000 new claims last week.

Claims for the prior week were revised upwardly to 218,000 from the initial estimate of 215,000.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims fell 2,500 to 215,000 last week.