New Unemployment Claims Dip Slightly

Washington, DC, Oct. 13, 2011 -- New claims for unemployment benefits dipped slightly last week, according to the Labor Department.

Initial claims fell to a seasonally adjusted 404,000. Economists had expected claims to rise to 405,000.

The number of people still receiving benefits under regular state programs after an initial week of aid dropped 55,000 to 3.67 million in the week ended October 1.