Jobless Claims Haven't Looked This Good In 14 Years
Initial weekly jobless claims fell to 291,000 from last week's revised level of 293,000.
Economists had forecast a 284,000 level.
The 4-week moving average was low at 287,500.
Continuing claims fell to 2,330,000 from 2,403,000 a week ago.
"This is the lowest level for insured unemployment since December 16, 2000 when it was 2,322,000," the Department of Labor noted. "The 4-week moving average was 2,369,000, a decrease of 6,250 from the previous week's revised average. This is the lowest level for this average since January 13, 2001 when it was 2,360,500."
"Despite disappointing expectations slightly with its weekly print, the trend in claims remains consistent with labor market improvements and hovering near 14-year lows," BNP Paribas economist Derek Lindsey said.