The four-week moving average dropped to 371,500, the lowest level since August 1990.

He said the rise in the four-week average was "consistent with the inflation data."

On a four-week average, claims continued to improve, to 332,750.

It was the highest four-week average since last February 19.

But on the basis of a four-week moving average, claims are at their lowest level in two years.

But the four-week average fell to 409,750 from 414,250, its lowest level in 18 months.

But he noted that the four-week average for claims has been moving higher since December.

The four-week moving average of new claims also fell by 7,000, to 345,750 from 352,750 the previous week.

The four-week average of claims fell to 346,000, from 353,000.

The four-week moving average for claims also rose to 357,750, its highest level since April.