The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits declined slightly last week and remained near historically low levels, indicating that layoffs across the labor market are still limited.

Initial jobless claims fell by 6,000 to 206,000 in the week ended August 15, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor. The figure was below economists’ median estimate of 210,000. The four-week moving average, which helps smooth short-term volatility, edged up to 204,000.

Continuing claims rose to 1.8 million in the previous week, suggesting that some unemployed workers are taking longer to find new jobs.

Initial claims had fallen to 189,000 in the week ended July 18, the lowest level since 1969. Although claims have risen since then, they remain historically low.

U.S. employers have generally maintained a slow pace of both hiring and layoffs this year. The labor market remains relatively stable for people who already have jobs, but fewer openings have made conditions more challenging for job seekers.

On an unadjusted basis, initial claims also declined, reflecting fewer applications in states including Michigan, South Carolina and California.