Jobless claims increased by 20,000 filings to 287,000 for the week ending Dec. 26, the U.S. Department of Labor.
The previous week's filings were unrevised at 267,000 filings.
In addition, the 4-week moving average edged up by 4,500 filings to 277,000, from the previous week's unrevised average of 272,500.
There were no special factors impacting this week's initial claims, the report said.
According to Econoday’s analysis of the report, this is the highest jump since the July 4 holiday week. The Econoday consensus expected an increase of 3,000 to 270,000.
However, the report added that it should be noted that readings in this report can be volatile during the holiday weeks.
