The US Labor Department reported on the 30th that initial jobless claims for the week ending July 25 rose by 9,000 to 197,000, a smaller increase than the 200,000 forecast by economists polled by Reuters. The previous week's level was the lowest since late 1969, and this week's increase partially offsets that decline, but July figures tend to be volatile due to temporary auto plant shutdowns. Continuing claims for the week ending July 18 fell by 7,000 to 1.782 million.