The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting job growth picked up in September. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 12,

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to their lowest level in four months last week.

WASHINGTON >> The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits dropped to a four-month low last week, indicating solid job growth in September and confirming that the economy continued to expand in the third quarter.