Jobless claims rise unexpectedly

Number of first-time applicants for unemployment benefits increased last week by 9,000 to 334,000; Wall Street expected decline of about 2,000.

WASHINGTON -- The number of workers filing for unemployment benefits for the first time unexpectedly rose last week.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that applications for unemployment benefits totaled 334,000, an increase of 9,000 from the previous week.

That gain caught analysts by surprise. They had forecast that jobless claims would fall by around 2,000.

Analysts are closely watching to see whether recent financial market turmoil will have an impact on business hiring decisions.