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U.S. filings for unemployment benefits fell last week to the lowest since September, returning to hover near an almost five-decade low and signaling the labor market remains tight after what some economists saw as possible cooling signs.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits rose for a third week to the highest level since May, potentially reflecting volatility around two consecutive periods that included holidays.

The lowest level of filings for U.S. unemployment benefits in about two months may reflect growing demand for workers in a tight job market, Labor Department figures showed July 20.