WASHINGTON – Initial unemployment claims fell 12,000 to 260,000 in the November 21 week, returning to the recent lows.
This means the labor market remains strong, though the latest weekly moves are probably just statistical noise.
There were no special factors for claims, and the drop was a result of seasonal adjustment. Unadjusted claims posted large jumps in California, Illinois, and Minnesota.
Continuing claims were up 34,000 in the Nov. 14 week to 2.207 million.
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