The Labor Department reports the number of Americans who filed for unemployment benefits rose more than expected last week as the country continues to grapple with the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Data showed initial weekly jobless claims came in at 1.3 million for the week ending July 11, the Labor Department said Thursday. Economists predicted jobless claims at 1.25 million.
Those tracking the jobless trend noted this was the 16th straight week in which initial claims totaled at least 1 million. Continuing claims — which refer to those receiving benefits for at least two straight weeks — totaled 17.33 million for the week of July 4.
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