(Reuters) – The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits
fell more than expected last week, offering hope the labor market recovery
remains on track.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 29,000 to a seasonally
adjusted 409,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday, continuing to unwind
the prior weeks’ spike.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims dropping to 420,000. The
prior week’s figure was revised up to 438,000 from the previously reported
434,000.  Read more