U.S. initial jobless claims rose 16k to 744k in the week ended April 3. That follows the 70k jump to 728k (was 719k) in the March 27 week. The increase over the last two weeks back over the 700k level have been disappointing after the drop to 658k in the March 19 week. They are at odds with the strength seen in most other labor markets reports and could be a function of the renewed unemployment benefits. The 4-week moving average edged up to 723.8k from 721.25k (was 719k). Claims not seasonally adjusted were up 18.2k to 740.8k after climbing 71.5k to 722.6k (was 714.4k). Continuing claims declined another -16k to 3,734k in the March 27 week after plunging -91k to 3,750k (was 3,794k). Continuing claims have been in decline all year and are at their lowest in a year.