First-time filings for state unemployment benefits fell by 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 315,000 last week, the Labor Department said Thursday. This is the lowest level since the week ended Aug. 6. The decrease in claims was in line with economists' expectations. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch predicted claims to fall to about 315,000. The four-week average of new claims rose by 1,250 to 315,000, the highest since July 30. Economists say the four-week average for new claims provides a more accurate snapshot of the labor market because it smoothes out one-time events that can distort the weekly figures. Continuing jobless claims, meanwhile, jumped by 28,000 to 2.59 million in the week ended Aug. 6. The four-week average of continuing claims fell 9,000 to 2.58 million, the lowest since March 24, 2001. The insured unemployment rate, which makes up the proportion of all covered workers who are receiving benefits, remained unchanged at 2% for the week ended Aug. 13. Jobless benefits are generally available for 26 weeks to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. A year ago, jobless claims were about 7% higher, at 337,500.