Bloomberg (12/05/13) Jeanna Smialek
Applications for U.S. unemployment benefits fell to their lowest level in two months last week. They dropped 23,000 to 298,000 in the week ended Nov. 30, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had predicted an increase to 320,000. The holiday season brings volatility to the figures. The four-week moving average fell to 322,250 from 333,000.