New jobless claims filings rise

The Labor Department reports new applications filed for unemployment insurance rose 4,000 to 372,000 last week, above what economists were expecting.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of new people signing up for unemployment benefits increased last week. It was the latest sign of softness in employment conditions.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that new applications filed for unemployment insurance rose by a seasonally adjusted 4,000 to 372,000 last week. The increase left claims slightly higher than the 370,000 level that economists were forecasting.