The data from the Labor Department revealed on Wednesday the number of applications for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, pointing to sustained labor market strength.

According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits decreased 8,000 to a seasonally adjusted 221,000 for the week ended June 29.

Economists had expected 223,000 new claims last week. 

Claims for the prior week were revised upwardly to 229,000 from the initial estimate of 227,000.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims increased 500 to 222,250 last week.