The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting a possible rebound in November’s nonfarm payrolls after hurricanes and strikes caused a sharp drop in job growth last month.

Initial claims for unemployment benefits fell 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 213,000 in the week ended Nov. 16, the Labor Department said Thursday, below market expectations for 220,000.

The survey period for the data includes the Veterans Day holiday, which can bring some volatility. Although claims surged in early October due to damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and factory strikes at Boeing and another aerospace company, layoffs have remained low. This has mitigated the impact of weak hiring on the labor market.

The claims data covers the period when the government surveys companies for the nonfarm payrolls portion of the November jobs report.

The government data confirmed that Hurricanes Helene, Milton and the aerospace strike were the main reasons for the sharp slowdown in job growth in October. State employment and unemployment reports also pointed to a continued slowdown in the labor market.

Notably, the November nonfarm payrolls report could determine whether the Fed cuts rates again in December after data suggested progress in bringing inflation down to its 2% target has stalled in recent months.

The Fed cut interest rates by 25 basis points earlier this month, lowering its benchmark federal funds rate to a range of 4.50%-4.75%. The Fed's unexpectedly large 50 basis point rate cut at the start of its policy easing cycle was the first reduction in borrowing costs since 2020.