ECONOMY

Jobless Claims Highest in 7 Weeks: Although the number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for benefits rose last week, analysts said the recent trend still suggests continued employment growth. First-time claims for unemployment insurance totaled 335,000 last week, up 11,000 from the previous week and more than many analysts had expected. It was the highest level since 339,000 new claims were filed during the week ended July 31. Most analysts prefer to track the more stable four-week moving average of claims. The average moved up just 1,000 last week, to 326,500, the first advance in six weeks.