US unemployment claims decline more than expected

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, indicating that labor market conditions remain largely stable.

According to Reuters, the US Department of Labor said on Thursday that applications submitted for the first time for unemployment benefits decreased by 18,000 applications to 202,000 applications after adjusting in light of seasonal factors for the week ending December 30.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected the number of applications to record 216,000 applications last week.