US jobless claims rise modestly, secondary filings continue retreating

Unemployment in the States rose slightly during the latest week, contrary to analysts' forecasts.

According to the US Department of Labor, in seasonally adjusted terms the number of people filing for jobless claims for the first time increased slightly over the week ending on 15 August, by 135,000 to 1.106m (consensus: 925,00).

The four-week moving average on the other hand dipped by 79,000 to 1.176m.

Secondary unemployment claims however also continued retreating, by 636,000 to 14.844m over the week ending on 8 August - a positive indication for trend in hiring perhaps.