WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of newly laid off workers filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week.þþThe Labor Department reported Thursday that applications for unemployment benefits totaled 334,000, an increase of 9,000 from the previous week.þþThat gain caught analysts by surprise. They had been forecasting that jobless claims would fall by around 2,000.þþAnalysts are closely watching to see whether recent financial market turmoil will have an impact on business hiring decisions.þþ
Source: NY Times
