Weekly requests for US jobless aid rise but still near lows

WASHINGTON (AP) — Slightly more Americans sought unemployment benefits last week, but the overall levels still remain near historic lows in a positive sign for the job market.

The job market appears to be on firm footing, because jobless claims are often viewed as a proxy of layoffs.

The modest level indicates that many employers view their businesses as stable or expanding, an outlook that would lead to additional hiring as the economy continues its seventh year recovering the Great Recession.

With fewer workers seeking unemployment benefits, the government's employment report being released Friday is expected to show solid hiring levels in August.