Initial weekly US unemployment claims dip

Initial weekly unemployment claims in the US for the week ending on 10 December dipped by 4,000 to reach 254,000, according to the Department of Labor.

The four-week moving average fell by 5,250 to 257,750.

The prior week’s estimate for initial unemployment claims was unrevised.

Secondary claims, those which are not filed for the first time and referencing the week ending on 3 December, increased by 11,000 to hit 2.018m.