Slightly more Americans file for jobless benefits in the week ending Jan. 3

Initial jobless claims rose by 8,000 to 208,000 for the week ending Jan. 3, and the four-week moving average was reported at 211,750.

Weekly U.S. filings for jobless benefits rose by 8,000 to 208,000 for the week ending Jan. 3, the Labor Department reported. That level remains low historically but comes as other indicators show the labour market is losing momentum. The government's December jobs report is due Friday. Key figures: - Initial claims: 208,000 for the week ending Jan. 3, up from 200,000 the prior week. - Four-week moving average: 211,750, down by 7,250. - Job openings: 7.1 million at the end of November, down from 7.4 million in October. - December jobs report scheduled for Friday; analysts expected about 55,000 nonfarm jobs (as reported). Summary: Reported figures point to a modest softening in hiring and labour demand. The next major data release is the December jobs report due Friday, which will offer updated monthly payroll and unemployment information.