The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits rose slightly last week, pointing to steadily easing labor market conditions heading into the final stretch of 2024. Sluggish hiring,

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week but remains at historically healthy levels. Jobless claim applications rose by 9,000 to 224,000 for the week of Nov. 30, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

Initial jobless claims in the U.S. climbed to 224,000 in the week ended on Nov. 30, a small increase from the revised total of 215,000 in the prior week. Economists had forecast a consensus figure of 215,000.