The U.S. economic recovery hasn't felt like one even for people who managed to find new jobs after being laid off. Most of them have had to settle for less pay.

The number of people seeking first-time unemployment benefits rose a slight 4,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 372,000, evidence that the job market's recovery remains modest and uneven.

Unemployment rates rose in 44 U.S. states in July, the most states to show a monthly increase in more than three years and a reflection of weak hiring nationwide.

U.S. employers posted the most job openings in four years in June, a positive sign that hiring might pick up.

U.S. employers added 163,000 jobs in July, a hopeful sign after three months of sluggish hiring.

The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits rose last week, though the data was likely skewed higher by seasonal factors.

A private survey shows U.S. businesses kept hiring at a modest pace in July, suggesting the job market could be improving after three sluggish months.

Unemployment rates rose in 27 U.S. states last month, the most in almost a year and a reflection of weaker hiring nationwide.