Both employed and unemployed workers are finding it easier than ever to keep up a perpetual job search using an array of social media and online recruitment platforms, while employers are also taking advantage of more access to candidates and their backgrounds.

The fewest number of Americans since before the last recession filed applications for unemployment benefits last week, pointing to more progress in the labor market.

The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits held last week near the lowest level in almost four months, a sign the labor market continues to strengthen.

The drop in joblessness suggests the U.S. labor market is tightening, raising the odds that a pick-up in wages will eventually lead to faster inflation.

Poverty in the state has trailed the U.S. level for at least seven years.

The value of financial assets, including stocks and pension fund holdings, held by American households increased by $2.52 trillion in the fourth quarter, according to todays Fed report.

Obama cited companies such as Costco Wholesale Corp. and Gap Inc. as he pressed lawmakers again to raise the U.S. minimum hourly wage to $10.10 from $7.25.

More Americans than forecast filed applications for unemployment benefits last week, underscoring the uneven progress in the labor market.