11.   But initial claims for unemployment benefits tumbled last week, a sign of surprising strength in the labor market.

12.   But the government said initial claims for unemployment insurance rose in the most recent week to the highest level in more than eight years, clearly reflecting economic weakness.

13.   Despite the initial claims of The Mercury News, the answers are not yet known.

14.   Economists had expected no change in initial weekly jobless claims.

15.   For the initial jobless claims index, INJCJC Index HP.

16.   Forty-four states or territories said claims fell, and two reported no change in initial claims.

17.   He pointed to a separate report on initial jobless claims for last week, which rose somewhat.

18.   If recent reports on initial claims for unemployment benefits are any indication, the job market remains robust.

19.   In addition, initial claims for unemployment insurance reached their highest level last week in five years, the Department of Labor said.

20.   In addition to data like a rise in initial jobless claims for last week, there were solid quarterly earnings reports.