Applications for US Jobless Benefits Fall Again as Labor Market Powers On

A "Help Wanted" sign is displayed at a restaurant in Buffalo Grove, Ill., on Jan. 18, 2024. Nam Y. Huh/AP Photo

The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits fell to its lowest level in five weeks, even as more high-profile companies announce layoffs.

Applications for unemployment benefits fell by 12,000 to 201,000 for the week ending Feb. 17, the Labor Department reported Thursday.