Spanish jobless claims fall by 16,600 in March

The number of unemployed people in Spain declined more than expected in March, easing concerns over the health of the euro zone’s fourth largest economy, official data showed on Wednesday.

Spanish jobless claims fall more than expected in March

In a report, Spain’s Employment Ministry said the number of unemployed people fell by a seasonally adjusted 16,600 last month, compared to expectations for a decline of 5,300. The number of unemployed people fell by 1,900 in February.

Following the release of the data, the euro held on to gains against the U.S. dollar, with EUR/USD inching up 0.11% to trade at 1.3808.

Meanwhile, European stock markets were higher after the open. Spain’sIBEX 35 climbed 0.25%, the Euro Stoxx 50 advanced 0.3%, France’sCAC 40 rose 0.2%, Germany’s DAX picked up 0.3%, while London’sFTSE 100 added 0.15%.