US applications for unemployment benefits hold steady, but continuing claims rise to 3-year high

The rising level of continuing claims suggests that some who are receiving benefits are finding it harder to land new jobs, indicating a potential softening in demand for workers.

The four-week average of weekly claims inched up by 1,000 to 226,500, showing a slight increase amidst a still broadly healthy labor market, conflicting with concerns over economic stability.

Earlier this month, the government reported that U.S. job openings rebounded to 7.7 million in October from a 3 1/2 year low, suggesting businesses continue to seek employees despite other labor market pressures.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles