Feds report 1.3 million new jobless claims last week, retail sales up 7.5% in June

The number of Americans who filed first-time jobless claims last week was 1.3 million, the Labor Department said Thursday.

The number is higher than the projected 1.25 million, amid the coronavirus pandemic that has slowed much of the U.S. and global economy.

Also Thursday morning, the Commerce Department reported that retails sales increased 7.5% in June, as some stores and restaurants reopened

The jobless number marked the 16th straight week in which initial claims totaled at least 1 million, according to CNBC. 

An estimated 51 million Americans have filed jobless claims since the pandemic started.