US jobless aid requests rise but still near historic lows

WASHINGTON (AP) — More Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, but levels remain near historic lows as employers are hesitant to let go of workers.

The four-week average has stayed below 300,000 since late March, achieving levels traditionally linked with a healthy job market.

U.S. factory output has also dropped because lower energy costs have led oil and gas drilling companies to reduce their spending on machinery and equipment.