US jobless claims hit lowest level since February

The number of Americans seeking jobless benefits for the first time fell unexpectedly last week to the lowest since February.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell to 216,000 in the week ended Sept. 2, the Labor Department said on Thursday.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast new claims would rise to 234,000 in the latest week.

Meanwhile, the rolls of those continuing to receive jobless benefits beyond the first week fell sharply to 1.679 million from a revised 1.719 million a week earlier.