More Americans apply for unemployment benefits as layoffs remain elevated

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits has risen for the second week in a row, a sign that employers continue to cut jobs even as parts of the economy recover.

Some 744,000 people applied for jobless benefits the week ended April 3, the Labor Department said Thursday. That's an increase of 16,000 from the previous week. Fewer self-employed and gig workers filed for benefits, with initial filings for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance dropping 80,000 from the prior week to nearly 152,000. Despite the uptick in claims, most analysts expect the job market to strengthen this year.