Labor Department said today in Washington that the figures for the first time jobless benefits claims were reported lower by 6000 in the week ended March 6. The first time jobless benefits claims were reported to 462,000 in the recently ended week while the market analysts were expecting a figure of 460,000 for the week.

According to the data given by the Labor Department, the four week moving average of new jobless benefits claims increased by 5,000 and was reported to 475,500. This is the highest moving average since late November. Also no special factors were recognized affecting the jobless claims data, according to a Labor Department official. Also the number of people continuing to receive regular unemployment benefits was increased by 37000 in the recently ended week.

On contrast to the high claims and the four week average, the labor market is showing signs of recovery. The jobs were reported opened up in the month of January at the fastest pace in nearly a year, according to the data released by the government.

On the other hand, the trade gap of U. S. decreased by 6.6% to $37.3 billion. The Commerce Department provided this information today. The Trade gap was reported lower as oil imports declined to their lowest levels since February 1999.