The number of Americans filing new applications for jobless benefits fell last week, pointing to steady job growth in July, though some laid off workers are experiencing long spells of unemployment because of a moderation in hiring.

Applications for U.S. unemployment benefits declined for a fifth straight week to the lowest level since mid-April, showing a resilient job market.

Continuing claims were at the highest level since November 2021, a sign that workers are having trouble finding new positions after they are laid off.