Weekly Jobless Claims Up

The number of Americans filing for unemployment rose in the first week in April, bringing the total number of jobless claims up to the highest levels since January. The news came shortly after the economy showed signs of slowing in March, with only 120,000 jobs added. But there were some good signs: First-time applicants for unemployment aid and the four-week average remained below the 400,000 mark—implying that the overall outlook is good. Some economists said the spring holidays could account for more jobless claims, and the trend could even itself out in upcoming weeks.