Applications for unemployment benefits fell for the second consecutive week, a Labor Department report said today, indicating the job market is outperforming a sluggish economy.
A total of 309,000 Americans filed claims for jobless benefits last week, down from 310,000 the previous week. The most recent claims level is the lowest in three weeks.
Associated Press reports said the drop was in line with the expectations of analysts, who say strength in the overall labor market has helped the economy withstand blows from a serious slump in housing.
Thirty states and territories reported increases in new benefit claims, and 23 reported decreases. Massachusetts recorded 5,938 new claims, up 110 from the previous week, but down 312 from the same week a year ago.
