Initial jobless claims in the United States fell by 17,000 to 233,000 in the week ending August 3, according to the weekly report by the Department of Labor on Thursday, lower than expected by analysts. The 4-week moving average was 240,750, an increase of 2,500 from the previous week's revised average.
The insured unemployment rate was 1.2% in the week ending July 27, with the insured unemployment standing at 1,875,000, rising by 6,000 compared to the previous week. The 4-week moving average was 1,862,000, an increase of 7,000 from the previous week's revised average.
