THE number of Americans filing initial claims for unemployment insurance edged lower last week, underscoring signs of strength in the labour market.

Jobless claims fell 2,000 to 329,000 in the week ended September 14th, the Labour department said. However, the closely watched four week moving average of claims, which is considered a more accurate barometer because it smooths out weekly fluctuations, rose a slight 750 to 326,750.