Fewer workers apply for jobless aid as layoffs fade

Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, reflecting a low number of layoffs across the economy.

Jobless claims fell to 215,000 for the week ending February 26, down by 18,000 from the previous week, the Labor Department reported Thursday. It's the lowest weekly level since mid-December, when the Omicron wave pushed up layoffs as businesses closed.

The four-week average for claims, which compensates for weekly volatility, fell by 6,000 to 230,500.