Stock futures push higher after jobs data

NEW YORK (AP) — Stock futures are pushing higher after a report showing a bigger-than-expected decline in workers seeking unemployment benefits.

The Labor Department says the number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for jobless benefits fell to 512,000 last week, the lowest level since January. Economists had expected 523,000 new claims.

The report is offering investors hope that the government's monthly report on unemployment on Friday may be better than expected. Economists expect the unemployment rate to have risen to 9.9 percent in October.

Dow Jones industrial average futures are up 40 at 9,825, after being up about 13 points prior to the report. Standard & Poor's 500 index futures are up 4 at 1,051, while Nasdaq 100 index futures are up 8 at 1,695.