The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, nearing a 42-year low as labor market conditions continued to tighten in a boost to the economy.<br />Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 267,000 for the week ended Dec.19, not far from levels last seen in late 1973, the Labor Department said on Thursday.<br />Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims dipping to 270,000 in the latest week.<br />Claims have been below 300,000, a threshold associated with a buoyant labor market, for 42 consecutive weeks.<br />That is the longest stretch since the early 1970s.
