US jobless claims at 6-month high
THE number of US workers filing new claims for jobless benefits unexpectedly rose last week to the highest level in close to six months, the latest evidence the economy’s recovery is faltering.
The number of new claims for state unemployment insurance rose by 2,000 to 484,000 in the week ended 7 August, the second straight increase, the Labor Department said.
Economists had expected claims to edge down to 469,000. The four-week moving average rose by 14,250 to 473,500, also the highest in six months.