(Bloomberg) -- Initial applications for US unemployment benefits increased in the week leading up to Christmas, while remaining at a level that is consistent with a resilient labor market.Most Read from BloombergThe Late-Night Email to Tim Cook That Set the Apple Watch Saga in MotionChinese Carmaker Overtakes Tesla as World’s Most Popular EV MakerApple Resumes Sale of Watches After Appeals Court Lifts US BanBridgewater CEO’s Past Office Romance Led to Favoritism ClaimsXiaomi Unveils Its First EV