The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits increased more than expected last week, but remained at levels consistent with a healthy labor market. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 14,

The number of Americans who filed for initial jobless benefits rose last week, according to the Department of Labor, but remained within the range that has become typical in recent months. The week through Jan.

Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Missouri rose last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday. New jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, increased to 11,448 in the week ending January 11, up from 6,875 the week before, the Labor Department said.