New jobless claims at 2nd lowest in 6 years

9/27/2013

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans seeking first-time unemployment benefits fell 5,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 305,000, the second-lowest level in six years.

The Labor Department said Thursday that the less volatile four-week average declined 7,000 to 308,000, the lowest since June, 2007.

Applications are a proxy for layoffs. Fewer layoffs suggest employers are confident enough to maintain their staffing levels.