The US four-week moving average of initial claims for unemployment insurance rose to 242,250 last week, up 2,250 from the previous week’s revised average, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the US Department of Labor.

The previous week's average was revised up by 250.

The four-week moving average decreases the volatility of the weekly numbers. Total initial claims for unemployment insurance for the week ended Nov. 25 fell to 238,000, down 2,000 from the previous week’s level, which was revised up by 1,000.

The department reported claims-taking procedures continue to be disrupted in the Virgin Islands.

Reuters reported claims tend be volatile around shifting holidays, and data for the week included last Thursday’s Thanksgiving holiday. Its poll of economists had forecast claims edging up to 240,000 in the latest week.