The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, pointing to a still low level of layoffs that could ease fears over the labor market's health. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 4,

The Labor Department reported on Thursday that jobless claims increased by 6,000 to 225,000 for the week ending September 28.

In the week through Sept. 28, there were 225,000 initial jobless claims, compared economists expectations of 220,000 initial claims.

The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits rose marginally last week, but Hurricane Helene's rampage in the U.S. Southeast and strikes at Boeing and ports could distort the labor market picture in the near term.

Initial Jobless Claims for the week ended Sept. 28 rose 6K to 225K vs. 221K consensus and 219K in the previous week (revised from 218K), the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday. The four-week moving average was 224,