Jobless claims fall to 233K

(CNN)– First-time applications for unemployment benefits fell, putting some recession fears on hiatus.

The federal government reports initial jobless claims last week fell to 233 thousand, down from the prior week’s 250 thousand filings.

Economists say this is within the range of a fairly health labor market.

However, continuing claims or applications from people who have filed for unemployment for at least one week, increased to 1.8 million.

This is the 9th straight week at or above that level.