Fewest Americans Since 2007 Seek Jobless Benefits

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits dropped 15,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 320,000, the fewest since October 2007 — a sign of dwindling layoffs and steady if modest job growth.

The Labor Department says the less volatile four-week average fell 4,000 to 332,000, the fewest since November 2007 and the fifth straight decline.

Applications, which reflect layoffs, have fallen 14 percent this year. That's a sign that companies are cutting fewer workers. But hiring is still sluggish, resulting in only modest net job gains.

Employers have added an average of 192,000 jobs a month this year. The unemployment rate declined to 7.4 percent in July, a 4½ year low. That's still well above the 5 percent to 6 percent range associated with a normal economy.

[Associated Press]