Jobless benefits claims were higher, the trade deficit was lower and wholesale inflation was flat, the United States government said in three economic reports on Thursday.

New claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week, the Labor Department said, hitting their highest level since January, a development that could raise fears the labor market recovery was stalling after job creation slowed in March.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 13,000 to a seasonally adjusted 380,000. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims falling to 355,000. The prior week’s figure was revised up to 367,000 from the previously reported 357,000.   Read more