Applications for unemployment benefits rose slightly last week. 

Initial claims rose by 6,000, bringing the total to 214,000 for the week ending April 18, according to Labor Department data released Thursday. The figures are at a level indicating that there hasn't been a significant increase in layoffs. 

A Bloomberg survey of economists forecasted the number to be 210,000. The initial claims are some of the lowest levels seen in the past year, and coincides with other data pointing to a stable labor market.