WASHINGTON — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Jobless claim applications ticked down by 1,000 to 219,000 for the week of Dec. 21, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s fewer than the 223,000 analysts forecast.

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week, but continuing claims rose to a three-year high. While the number of jobless claim applications held steady, the uptick in the total number of Americans collecting unemployment benefits suggests that some who receive jobless benefits are finding it more difficult to get new jobs.

Rising continuing claims indicate recipients struggle to find new jobs, suggesting a potential decrease in demand for workers despite a robust economy. This trend could signal emerging challenges in the job market.