The number of workers applying for unemployment benefits in the United States rose last week after hitting a level not seen in over 50 years the week prior, with analysts generally expecting the rebound, in part due to seasonal data adjustments.
First-time filings for unemployment insurance—a proxy for layoffs—came in at 222,000 for the week ending Nov. 27, the Labor Department said in a report (pdf). That’s an increase of 28,000 from the prior week’s revised level of 194,000 and below consensus forecasts of 240,000.
