Layoffs hit lowest level since 1968, with 166,000 people filing for jobless aid last week

Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as layoffs remain at historically low levels.

Jobless claims fell by 5,000 to 166,000 for the week ending April 2, the Labor Department reported Thursday — the lowest weekly figure since 1968. 

The previous week's number was revised down by a whopping 31,000, thanks to a change in the Labor Department's reporting methods.