The number of Americans filing first-time claims for unemployment insurance payments fell to a level matching a four-year low, more evidence the labor market is healing. Applications for jobless benefits decreased 2,000 in the week ended Feb. 25 to 351,000, Labor Department figures showed today. The number matches that in the Feb. 11 week, which was the lowest since March 2008. Economists forecast 355,000 claims, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey. The number of people on unemployment benefit rolls fell, while those getting extended payments also declined. Firing is on a downward trend in the ... (full story)