It’s an unexpectedly strong gain that suggests many companies remain confident enough to keep hiring despite high interest rates and a hazy outlook for the economy.

U.S. applications for unemployment benefits rose by 21,000 to 248,000 for the week ending August 5, from 227,000 the week before, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

Still-healthy job and income gains point to an economy capable of weathering a period of rapid interest-rate increases aimed at thwarting high inflation. That’s also contributing to renewed confidence among consumers.

Job openings fell in health care, insurance and finance. But there were more jobs available in education and government.

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits remained elevated last week, a possible sign that the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes are beginning to cool a still-strong labor market

Resilience in the labor market suggests that the Federal Reserve may see the need to keep raising interest rates in the coming months.