The data from the Labor Department revealed on Thursday the number of applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting the labor market remains solid even as the economy is slowing.

According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 10,000 to a seasonally adjusted 203,000 for the week ended November 30, the lowest level since mid-April.

Economists had expected 215,000 new claims last week.

Claims for the prior week were remained unchanged at 213,000.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims dropped by 2,000 to 217,750 last week.