Initial applications for US unemployment insurance rose last week by less than forecast, remaining near historic lows and indicating the labor market remains resilient as companies seek to retain employees. First-time claims for benefits climbed by 2,000 to 205,000 in the week ended Dec. 16, according to Labor Department figures Thursday. Recurring claims were little changed in the week ended Dec. 9. The median forecast in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for 215,000 initial claims. Despite elevated interest rates, the economy has grown at a moderate pace this year as a resilient labor market helps underpin ... (full story)