The 4-week moving average was 225,000, an increase of 4,750 from the previous week's unrevised average of 220,250.
According to unadjusted data, the largest declines were seen in New York (-15,255), Pennsylvania (-1,029) and Arizona (-631) while the biggest rises were registered in California (+1,848), Texas (+394) and Minnesota (+315).
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.2 percent for the week ending May 4, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate.
The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending May 4 was 1,660,000, a decrease of 28,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up 4,000 from 1,684,000 to 1,688,000. Figures came below market consensus of 1,680,000. The 4-week moving average was 1,668,250, an increase of 1,500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 1,000 from 1,665,750 to 1,666,750.