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WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of newly laid off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits shot up unexpectedly last week, rising to the highest level in two months.
The Labor Department reported that unemployment claims totaled 324,000 last week, up 10,000 from the previous week, to the highest level since mid-April.
While the big increase was unexpected, analysts said it did not change their view that the labor market remains healthy despite a year-long economic slowdown caused by a steep slump in housing and troubles in the domestic auto industry.
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