U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims Inch Up To 213,000

First-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits showed a modest increase in the week ended August 25th, according to a report released by the Labor Department on Thursday.

The report said initial jobless claims crept up to 213,000, an increase of 3,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 210,000. Economists had expected jobless claims to edge up to 214,000.