Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance fell last week to the lowest since 1969 as demand for labor far exceeds supply and rampant inflation keeps the incentive to work high.

WASHINGTON — The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week for a fourth straight time to a pandemic low, the latest sign that America’s job market is rebounding from the pandemic recession as employers boost hiring to meet a surge in consumer demand.

WASHINGTON — U.S. employers posted a record 9.3 million job openings in April with the U.S. economy reopening at breakneck speed.

In the harshest downturn for American workers in history, employers cut an unprecedented 20.5 million jobs in April and the unemployment rate more than tripled to 14.7%.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits declined more than expected to reach a four-week low, another sign that a resilient labor market continues to underpin the economy.

A greater share of America’s job hunters received more than one employment option this summer than got single offers, indicating lingering tightness in the labor market and upbeat firms despite recent recession concerns.

U.S. hiring rebounded in April, and the unemployment rate dropped below 4% for the first time since 2000, while wage gains unexpectedly cooled, suggesting the labor market still has slack to absorb. Payrolls rose 164,000 after an upwardly revised 135,000 advance, Labor Department figures showed May 4.

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits plunged to the lowest level since 1969, mainly reflecting the return of educational service workers in New York state, figures showed April 26.

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits fell to a three-week low, continuing a trend that indicates a tight labor market, Labor Department figures showed April 19.

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits rose more than expected last week to the highest in almost three months amid holidays that may have played a role in the increase, Labor Department figures showed April 5.