First-time claims for unemployment benefits fell to 235,000 to end 2016, the Department of Labor reported Thursday, down from 265,000 the week before and the lowest total since November.

Expectations were for claims to tick down to 260,000. Instead, they tumbled to the second-lowest level since 1973, although the difficulty of adjusting for the seasonal fluctuations that come around Christmas may have influenced that dive.

Recommended Stories

Unemployment claims fall to lowest level in 43 years, despite hurricanes

Jobs report reveals lingering long-term unemployment

Jobless claims inch up to 248,000 ahead of Friday jobs report