WASHINGTON: The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, nearing a 42-year low as labour market conditions continued to tighten in a boost to the economy. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 267,000 for the week ended December 19, not far from levels last seen in late 1973, the Labour Department said on Thursday. Some of the decline last week could be attributed to difficulties adjusting the figures during the holidays.