The number of people filing for unemployment benefits in the United States fell by 3,000 to 209,000 during the second week of May, in line with market expectations of 210,000.
In contrast, continuing unemployment claims, which are an indicator of the number of people still receiving unemployment benefits, rose by 6,000 to 1.782 million, slightly below expectations of 1.790 million.
These data reflect the continued stability in the US labor market since the decline in initial jobless claims earlier this year, supporting the strength of the labor market and giving the Federal Reserve more room to maintain its tight monetary policy.
Meanwhile, unemployment benefit claims filed by federal employees rose by 32 to 424, amid continued scrutiny of the effects of the U.S. government shutdowns that have delayed the filing of unemployment insurance claims.