The figure, which was in line with analyst expectations, remained above the post-Great Recession low of 266,000 reached in October. The less-volatile four-week average was 299,000, up 4,750 from the previous week. Economists say weekly claims below 300,000 are a sign of a healthy job market. Claims had been below 300,000 each week since early September before unexpectedly jumping to 314,000 in the week ended Nov. 22.