The data from the Labor Department revealed on Thursday the number of applications for unemployment benefits increased less than expected last week, pointing to healthy labor market conditions that should continue to support a cooling economy.

According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits rose by 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 208,000 for the week ended September 14.

Economists had expected 213,000 new claims last week.

Claims for the prior week were revised upwardly to 206,000 from the initial estimate of 204,000.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims fell by 750 to 212,250 last week.