The expected number was higher than the actual release, which was explained by a decline in new claims at the end of the quarter.
The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for jobless insurance fell more-than-expected to a nine-month low last week, data showed, suggesting the labor market was healing despite a setback in September.
Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 33,000 to a seasonally adjusted 521,000 in the week ended October 3, the lowest level since early January, the Labor Department said on Thursday.
