According to a new report from the Labor Department, the number of claims for unemployment benefits dropped by 2,000, while the four-week average rose by 3,500, to highest level since December. Economists say that the numbers confirm that the economy is still struggling, and that the number of jobs created in June is likely to be low. As extended benefits run out in some states, the number of people receiving unemployment has fallen.
See "Slight Decline in Claims for U.S. Jobless Benefits", Reuters, The New York Times, June 20, 2012