The number of people applying for state unemployment benefits fell during the week ending March 2, according to the U.S. Labor Department.

During the period, 5,000 fewer workers filed initial jobless claims, bringing the seasonally adjusted figure to 376,000 compared to the previous week's revised 381,000. The four-week average fell by 1,250 to 372,750, the lowest level since the week ended Aug. 11, when it was 372,000.