U.S. jobless claims drop 19,000 to 326,000
Lowest level since early 2008, but July data tricky to interpret WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — The number of people who applied last week for new unemployment benefits fell to the lowest level since early 2008, but it’s unclear whether the decline reflects an improvement in the U.S. labor market or a seasonal quirk that often occurs in July.

Initial jobless claims dropped by 19,000 to a seasonally adjusted 326,000 in the week ended July 27, marking the lowest level in five and a half years, the government said Thursday. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch expected claims to total 345,000. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-jobless-c...1-81034326