Stock futures fluctuate after jobless claims dip

NEW YORK (AP) — Stock futures are trading in a tight range after new claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly but still remain above levels considered a sign of a healthy economy.

The Labor Department says new claims for unemployment benefits fell by 6,000 to 472,000 last week. Economists were expecting slightly more claims.

The lack of movement today comes a day before the Labor Department releases its monthly report on employment. The unemployment rate is expected to inch higher.

Dow Jones industrial average futures up 3, or less than 0.1 percent, at 10,275. S&P 500 futures are up 1, or 0.1 percent, at 1,083, while Nasdaq 100 futures are up 2, or 0.1 percent, at 1,822.