The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting job growth picked up in September. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 12,

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

The Labor Department reported Thursday that applications for unemployment benefits rose by 6,000 to 225,000 for the week of Sept. 28. It was slightly more than the 221,000 analysts were expecting. The four-week average of 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.