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Jobless claims remain low
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August 5, 1999: 9:11 a.m. ET
Despite increase, below-forecast filings point to job market strength
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - The number of Americans filing claims for jobless benefits edged higher last week, the government said Thursday, but remained at a level that points to ongoing strength in the job market.
The number of new claims for state unemployment benefits rose to 279,000 in the week ended July 31 from 275,000 the prior week, the Labor Department said. Economists had expected new claims of 284,000 last week, according to a survey by Reuters.
The four-week average of claims, considered a more reliable gauge of the job market since it smoothes weekly fluctuations in the data, fell to 295,000 from 300,000 in the prior period.
The number of ongoing claims fell to 2,247,000 in the week ended July 24, the latest statistics available, from a revised 2,289,000 the prior week, the department said. 
-- from staff and wire reports
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Labor Dept.
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