(Dec 26): Recurring applications for US unemployment benefits rose to the highest in more than three years, adding to signs that it is taking longer for out-of-work people to find a job.

Continuing applications, a proxy for the number of people receiving benefits, rose to 1.91 million in the week ended Dec 14, according to Labor Department data released Thursday. Initial claims, meanwhile, ticked down to 219,000 in the week ended Dec 21.

Recurring filings have been gradually trending up this year, consistent with other data showing the unemployed are having a harder time finding work.

Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell said last week that the labor remains “in solid shape,” though policymakers are keeping a close eye for any sign of deterioration. The labour market is cooling, but not in a way that would raise concerns, Powell said at a press briefing following policymakers’ decision to cut interest rates for the third time in three months.

The four-week moving average of new applications, a metric that helps smooth out volatility, rose to 226,500.

Before adjusting for seasonal factors, initial claims rose last week. New Jersey, Connecticut and California registered the biggest increases while Florida, New York and West Virginia saw the largest declines.

Uploaded by Magessan Varatharaja