U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims Jump 19,000 To 362,000

WASHINGTON, Sept 2 (AFP) - New jobless claims in the United States jumped 19,000 to 362,00 in the week to August 28, the Labor Department said Thursday in a sign of a softening jobs picture.
Analysts had expected a figure of 340,000, but the latest report is the highest since the week to April 10.
A Labor Department spokesman said a portion of the increase in claims was a result of Hurricane Charlie. The spokesman said the hurricane accounted for a "little less than half" the increase.
The four-week average of initial claims rose 6,250 to 343,000. This is the highest level since the week ended July 31.