US Initial Jobless Claims Decline to Lowest Level in Four Weeks

Applications for US unemployment benefits fell to a four-week low, adding to evidence that the job market remains healthy in the face of growing uncertainty tied to trade policy.

Initial claims decreased by 2,000 to 227,000 in the week ended May 17, roughly in line with forecasts, Labor Department data showed Thursday. The period includes the government’s survey week for its monthly employment report.

Continuing claims, a proxy for the number of people receiving benefits, rose to 1.9 million in the previous week.

The level of jobless claims indicates companies are relatively comfortable with staffing levels despite elevated ...