U.S. Jobless Claims Rise For 2nd Straight Week, But Edge Up Less Than Expected

First-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits increased for the second straight week in the week ended July 25th, according to a report released by the Labor Department on Thursday, although claims rose by less than expected. The report said initial jobless claims edged up to 1.434 million, an increase of 12,000 from the previous week's revised level of 1,422,000.