US: Initial weekly jobless claims increase by 3,000 to 213K

In the week ending August 25, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 213,000, an increase of 3,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 210,000. 

Key highlights:

   •  The 4-week moving average was 212,250, a decrease of 1,500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 213,750. This is the lowest level for this average since December 13, 1969 when it was 210,750. 

   •  The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending August 18 was 1,708,000, a decrease of 20,000 from the previous week's revised level. 

   •  The 4-week moving average was 1,731,250, a decrease of 4,500 from the previous week's revised average.