The number of new applications for unemployment benefits climbed 18,000 last week to 206,000, more than anticipated.

While Thursday’s numbers, reported by the Labor Department, were higher than anticipated, they still reflect a general downward trajectory of new claims throughout the year. Claims were consistently above 600,000 each week earlier this year. Initial jobless claims, which are watched closely by government officials and investors because they are a proxy for layoffs, have dropped as the labor market has improved and fewer people require economic assistance from the government.