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

According to the report, the initial claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 18,000 to a seasonally adjusted 234,000 for the week ended December 14, the lowest level since mid-April.

Economists had expected 225,000 new claims last week.

Claims for the prior week were remained unchanged at 252,000, the highest reading since September 2017.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of claims increased by 1,500 to 225,500 last week.