File - A help wanted sign is posted in Lansdale,...

File - A help wanted sign is posted in Lansdale, Pa., Friday, April 28, 2023. On Thursday, the Labor Department reports on the number of people who applied for unemployment benefits last week. Credit: AP/Matt Rourke

The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits fell again last week as the labor market continues defy the Federal Reserve’s attempt to cool it by raising interest rates.

U.S. applications for jobless claims fell by 12,000 to 237,000 for the week ending July 8, from 249,000 previous week, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

The four-week moving average of claims, which smooths out some of the week-to-week ups and downs, fell by 6,750 to 246,750.

Jobless claim applications are seen as a proxy for the number of layoffs in a given week.

Overall, 1.73 million people were collecting unemployment benefits the week that ended July 1, 11,000 fewer than the previous week.

Not guilty plea in Gilgo Beach murder ... Woman killed in LIE crash ... Newsday probes LI police use of force Credit: Newsday

Rain, strong winds eye LI ... Not guilty plea in Gilgo Beach murder ... Woman sentenced in brothel case ... Let's Go: Holidays in Manorville

Not guilty plea in Gilgo Beach murder ... Woman killed in LIE crash ... Newsday probes LI police use of force Credit: Newsday

Rain, strong winds eye LI ... Not guilty plea in Gilgo Beach murder ... Woman sentenced in brothel case ... Let's Go: Holidays in Manorville

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