The number of individuals filing new applications for unemployment benefits ticked up last week for the first time since early June.
According to the Department of Labor, initial jobless claims rose by 1,000, to 218,000 for the week ended July 26, remaining close to a three-month low.
Initial jobless claims, released on July 31, came in below the consensus forecast of 224,000.
After hitting an eight-month high in June, claims have been trending lower as companies remain reluctant to reduce their headcount.
The four-week average, which strips out the week-to-week volatility, declined to 221,000 from 224,500.
A closely watched program for federal workers submitting applications for jobless benefits tumbled by 67, to 722….