US initial jobless claims fell by 2,000 in the week ended Nov. 23 to 213,000, the US Department of Labor reported today.

The previous week’s level was revised upward by 2,000.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 216,000 claims for the latest week. 

 Meanwhile, the four-week moving average declined by 1,250 in the latest week to 217,000; the previous week’s average was revised upward by 500.

Reuters noted that claims are now at levels consistent with low layoffs and a rebound in employment in November. In October, storms and the recently ended seven-week Boeing strike reduced the increase in nonfarm payrolls to a paltry 12,000 jobs.

The report was published a day early due to the Thanksgiving holiday on Nov. 28.