New applications for U.S. jobless benefits fell last week, while a forecasting measure of the economy retreated.

Initial unemployment claims fell by 11,000 to 330,000 in the week ending November 17, the U.S. Labor Department said today. The drop was expected by Wall Street.

The four-week average of claims slipped to 329,750 from 330,500.

The total number of workers drawing unemployment benefits rose in the week that ended Nov. 10, the latest period for which that particular data are available. The number — known as continuing claims — rose by 7,000 to 2,566,000.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Conference Board’s composite index of leading indicators declined 0.5% to 136.9 in October after a 0.1% increase in September. The index is intended to indicate the economy’s future direction.

A gauge of consumer confidence also fell. The Reuters/University of Michigan final November consumer sentiment index dropped to 76.1 from 80.9 in October.