WASHINGTON, Jan 19: US jobless claims fell 36,000 to a seasonally adjusted 271,000 in the week to January 14, their lowest level in almost six years, the Labour Department said on Thursday. The steep drop was unexpected, with Wall Street economists forecasting an increase to 315,000.

It was the lowest level for unemployment claims since the week ended April 15, 2000.

“Very large swings in seasonal employment during and after the holidays typify the job market at this time of the year,” Nomura US chief economist David Resler said.

“In addition, the unusually warm weather this month may be enabling builders and other weather-sensitive businesses to retain more of the workers they normally furlough in the winter,” he said.—AFP