(Source: Associated Press/AP Online)
By The Associated Press
APPLICATIONS DOWN: Unemployment benefit applications fell to a seasonally adjusted 403,000 last week, the government said Thursday. The decline partially reversed a jump from the previous week, which economists said was largely the result of a seasonal quirk.
BROADER TRENDS: The four-week average, a less volatile measure, rose to 399,000. Still, applications have averaged 396,000 over the past 11 weeks, much lower than last year's average of 459,000.
MORE HIRING: Companies have stepped up hiring in recent months and economists say that will continue. They anticipate businesses will add 200,000 new jobs in April, similar to increases in February and March.
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