-- US initial jobless claims rose to a level of 200,000 in the week ended May 2 from an upwardly revised 190,000 level in the previous week, compared with expectations for a larger increase to 205,000 in survey of analysts compiled by Bloomberg.
The four-week moving average fell by 4,500 to 203,250 after decreasing by 3,250 to a level of 207,750 in the previous week.
Insured jobless claims declined by 10,000 to 1,766,000 in the week ended April 25.
The weekly initial jobless claims data released by the US Labor Department measures filings for unemployment insurance benefits. Initial filings are reported through the previous Saturday, while those already on benefits are measured with a one-week lag.
A decrease in claims suggests a stronger labor market, a positive for the US economy and stocks, but a negative for bonds as it suggests wage growth that could lead to inflation.