Jobless Claims Fall Slightly, But Continuing Claims Hit 3-Year High

First-time jobless claims fell 1,000 last week to 219,000 for the week of Dec. 21. (Credit: AFP / Olivier DOULIERY)

Jobless claims fell slightly for the week of Dec. 21, but continuing claims rose to a three-year high, according to the Labor Department.

Seasonally adjusted claims dropped to 219,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week, fewer than the 223,000 forecast by analysts, the Associated Press reported.