Although the number of initial jobless claims rose last week, they were still close to historic lows, indicating that companies are reluctant to lay off workers amid stable demand, King Ten reported. Economists expect nonfarm payrolls to be released next week to increase by 170,000, consistent with strong employment demand, which has been a key factor in driving economic growth. Such job growth reinforces some predictions that Federal Reserve officials will succeed in achieving a soft landing for the economy after nearly two years of aggressive interest rate hikes.