Initial Jobless Claims Edge Lower

Washington, DC, Aug. 4, 2011 -- New applications for unemployment benefits edged down to 400,000, a decline of 1,000, according to the Labor Department.

The four-week moving average of claims fell 6,750 to 407,750 -- the lowest since mid-April.

The number of people still receiving benefits under regular state programs after an initial week of aid rose 10,000 to 3.73 million in the week ended July 23.