U.S. jobless claims unexpectedly fall last week

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of U.S. workers filing new applications for jobless insurance unexpectedly fell last week to the lowest level in more than 14 months, government data showed on Thursday, pointing to a moderation in the pace of job losses.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits slipped 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 457,000 in the week ended November 28 from a downwardly revised 462,000 in the prior week, the Labor Department said. Claims have dropped for five consecutive weeks.

Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast claims rising to 480,000 from a previously reported 466,000.

The report covers the Thanksgiving holiday and a Labor Department economist said both actual and seasonally adjusted claims were down.

Also see Interactive Graphic Unemployment rate by county

With the nation's unemployment rate at 10.2 percent, business leaders are gathering at the White House on Thursday to talk about creating jobs.
Here is a look at county-by-county unemployment rates across the country.