Claims for Jobless Benefits Tumble

The number of U.S. workers filing for state unemployment benefits fell last week by 21,000 to 276,000, the lowest level in a month, the Labor Department said, a sign that demand for labor will keep the unemployment rate close to its 30-year low of 3.9%. The less-volatile four-week moving average for new claims rose to 289,750 from 285,250, the highest level since the third week of January. Among states reporting increases in jobless claims, California posted the biggest jump. Officials blamed the increase on layoffs in the entertainment, trade and service industries.