US jobless claims increase

WASHINGTON: The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased slightly last week, but remains at levels consistent with a tight labor market.  Initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 3,000 to a seasonally adjusted 241,000 for the week ended June 17, the Labor Department said on Thursday.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast first-time applications for jobless claims rising to 240,000 in the latest week.  Following the report, the dollar held at slightly lower levels against a basket of currencies while U.S. Treasuries were little changed.