US initial jobless claims rose by 13,000 in the week ended Nov. 11 to a total of 231,000 — their highest level since the week of Aug. 19, the US Department of Labor reported today. The previous week’s level was revised upward by 1,000.

Reuters noted that the data indicates a continued easing of labor market conditions, potentially aiding the Federal Reserve’s fight against inflation. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 220,000 claims for the latest week.

Meanwhile, the four-week moving average of initial claims rose by 7,750 in the latest week to a level of 220,250. The previous week’s average was revised upward by 250.