U.S. Jobless Claims Drop 25,000, As Hurricane Sandy's Effect Wanes

WASHINGTON -- The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell for a third straight week last week, but still remain too volatile to offer a clear signal on labor market conditions.

Initial jobless claims dropped 25,000 to a seasonally adjusted 370,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday. The prior week's figure was revised to show 2,000 more applications than previously reported.