Weekly unemployment claims fall

Labor Department says the number of people filing unemployment claims fell last week though concerns about jobs remain.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of newly laid off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week although the decline was not viewed as evidence of an improving job market.
The Labor Department reported that 322,000 persons filed applications for jobless benefits, down by 15,000 from the previous week when claims had declined by 20,000.
While the second straight drop in weekly claims caught analysts by surprise, it was not seen as a sign of a fundamental improvement in the labor market, which has been coming under strains that have raised concerns about a possible recession.
Labor Department analysts said the declines of the past two weeks were more the result of difficulties in adjusting the numbers around the Christmas and New Year's holidays when state claims offices are open fewer days.
The four-week average for jobless claims dipped slightly to 341,000, the lowest in a month.