US initial jobless claims fell more than expected last week

Initial claims for unemployment benefits in the United States fell by 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 262,000 in the week ended Aug 13, the Labor Department said Thursday. Analysts had expected a smaller decrease to 265,000.

Continuing jobless claims rose by 15,000 to 2.175 million in the week ended Aug 6,  above the 2.140 million expected.