The number of people filing for state unemployment insurance rose slightly last week, by 6,000, to a seasonally adjusted 390,000 for the week ended June 8, remaining below the key 400,000 level analysts consider to be indicative of a recession in the jobs market.

The number almost matched analysts' expectations of 391,000.

The less volatile four-week moving average of initial jobless claims fell by 8,750 to 402,500, the lowest level in almost three months. Another positive sign for the June job picture was the continuing claims number -- those collecting benefits for more than a week -- which dropped 18,000 in the week ending June 1 to 3.773 million.