By Msnbc.com staff and wire
New claims for unemployment benefits rose slightly in the latest week, but remained at levels that point to a slowly improving labor market.
The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claims rose by 21,000 to a seasonally-adjusted 377,000 in the week ended Jan. 21. The four-week moving average, considered a better gauge of labor market conditions, fell 2,500 to 377,500.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims rising to 370,000. While last week's rise partially unwound the prior week's sharp decline, claims still held below the 400,000 mark that is usually associated with labor market healing.
Job growth has gained momentum in recent months and the unemployment rate dropped to a near three-year low of 8.5 percent in December.
Still, the labor market recovery has a long way to go, with 23.7 million Americans either out of work or underemployed.
On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve acknowledged the improvement in the labor market, but noted the jobless rate remained too high.
The?central bank vowed to keep overnight lending rates near zero until at least late 2014 and Chairman Ben Bernanke said the Fed was still mulling further asset purchases to help foster stronger economic growth.
It forecast the unemployment rate at 8.2 percent to 8.5 percent this year.
The number of people still receiving benefits under regular state programs after an initial week of aid rose 88,000 to 3.55 million in the week ended January 14.
Economists had forecast so-called continuing claims rising to 3.50 million from a previously reported 3.43 million. The continuing claims data covered the survey week for the household survey from which the jobless rate is derived.
Continued claims declined 63,000 between the December and January survey periods.
The number of Americans on emergency unemployment benefits dropped 144,822 to 2.88 million in the week ended January 7, the latest week for which data is available.
A total of 7.64 million people were claiming unemployment benefits during that period under all programs, down 188,612 from the prior week.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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