Washington, DC. September 28, 2006--First-time claims for state unemployment benefits fell by 6,000 in the latest week, sinking to 316,000, the Labor Department said Thursday.
Continuing jobless claims, meanwhile, fell by 8,000 to stand at 2.44 million, the lowest level seen since July 22.
The four-week moving average of new claims fell by 500, to 315,500, for the week ended Sept. 23.
The four-week moving average for continuing claims, meanwhile, fell by 8,250 to 2.46 million. It's also the lowest since July 22, according to the Labor Department.
Initial claims are down about 11% from year-ago levels. Continuing claims have fallen about 14%.
