(Department of Labor) US jobless claims were posted at 215,000 in the week to February 26, down by 18,000 from the previous week. The claims were below estimates of 225,000.
On a four-week moving average, the jobless claims fell by 6,000 to 230,500.
The continuing claims edged higher by 2,000 to 1.476 million. The claims declined by 36,250 to 1.54 million on a four-week average.
The claims under various state programs declined by 9.9% or 21,285 to a lower total of 194,693. The decline was greater than the expected fall of 1.4% or 2,985.
The continuing claims under state programs fell by 2.7% or 51,966 to 1.859 million. The decline was slightly lower than expected fall of 2.8% or 53,662.
The initial claims rose the highest in Michigan, Kansas, Utah, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia. Claims fell the highest in Missouri, New York, Ohio, California, and Tennessee.
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