US Applications for Jobless Benefits Rise but Labor Market Remains Solid

US Applications for Jobless Benefits Rise but Labor Market Remains Solid
A hiring sign is displayed at the Department of Motor Vehicles office in Deerfield, Ill., on Dec.12, 2023. Nam Y. Huh/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:
0:00

More Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, but not enough to raise concern about the labor market or broader economy.

Jobless claims rose to 218,000 for the week ending Dec. 23, an increase of 12,000 from the previous week, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The four-week average of claims, which smooths out week-to-week ups and downs, fell by 250 to 212,000.