WASHINGTON — The number of U.S. workers applying for jobless benefits fell by 20,000 last week to 307,000, in a much sharper decline than expected that underscored the strength of the labor market, government data showed on Thursday.
The latest seasonally adjusted figures from the Labor Department cover the week ending Jan. 27 and compare with Wall Street forecasts for claims of 315,000, versus a revised 327,000 claims the previous week. This was initially reported as 325,000 applications for aid.
A Labor Department official said there were no special factors impacting last week's numbers.
The stronger-than-expected numbers came a day before the government will release its take on the employment picture in January, which will be closely watched by the Federal Reserve as it monitors wage pressures that could feed inflation.
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