Since the end of February, U.S. jobless claims edged somewhat higher but still hover only slightly above 300 000 suggesting a strong labour market. For the recent week a decline to 308 000 from 313 000 is expected. “The labor market is in good shape,” said Roger M. Kubarych, economist at HVB Group. “While companies are still cautious in hiring new people, they are also more reluctant to lay workers off. The result is a leveling off of weekly unemployment claims at about 300,000 or a little higher.” He concluded.