The data from the Labor Department revealed on Thursday the number of applications for unemployment benefits increased slightly last week, pointing to sustained labor market strength.

According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits rose by 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 219,000 for the week ended September 28.

Economists had expected 215,000 new claims last week.

Claims for the prior week were revised upwardly to 215,000 from the initial estimate of 213,000.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims was unchanged at 212,500 last week.