Investing.com - U.S. initial jobless claims rose more than expected last week, but remained in territory consistent with a strengthening labor market.
The Department of Labor said the number of Americans filing for initial jobless benefits rose by 13,000 to 282,000.
Analysts expected jobless claims to hold steady at 269,000.
First-time jobless claims have now held below the 300,000-level for 39 weeks, which is usually associated with a firming labor market.
Indications of sustained strength in the labor market could encourage the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates this month.