U.S. unemployment claims fall to 210,000 and signal labor market still strong

The numbers: New U.S. jobless claims fell by 8,000 last week to 210,000, signaling that layoffs remain extremely low and the economy is still expanding despite more headwinds.

Applications for unemployment benefits had risen to a four-month high of 218,000 in the prior week.  

Economists polled by the Wall Street Journal forecast initial jobless claims to total 215,000 in the seven days ended May 21. The figures are seasonally adjusted.