Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:24:56 GMT
U.S. weekly unemployment claims increase
U.S. initial claims for jobless benefits unexpectedly posted a slight rise in the week through Aug. 18., the Labor Department said on Thursday. First-time unemployment claims advanced to 372,000, compared to 368,000 in preceding week. Analysts forecast a decline to 365,000. The four-week average rose to 368,000 from 364,250.