OTHER NEWS - June 7, 1996

U.S. Jobless Claims Rise Slightly: The number of American workers applying for state unemployment benefits last week rose to the highest level in almost two months, government figures show. First-time jobless claims rose by 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 354,000, the highest level since April 20, when claims rose to 372,000. In the week before last, claims were unchanged at 345,000, though the Labor Department originally reported claims had advanced by 1,000. Meanwhile, the four-week average for jobless claims, a less volatile gauge of employment conditions, rose to 349,000 from 345,500--the first gain in 10 weeks--the Labor Department said. Though claims were more numerous than expected, analysts said the job market remains healthy.