NEW YORK, Jan 13 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened lower on Thursday as the number of first-time claims for jobless benefits rose unexpectedly, highlighting the bumpy ride for employment as economic growth picks up.
The Dow Jones industrial average declined 4.69 points, or 0.04 percent, to 11,750.75. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index edged down 0.18 points, or 0.01 percent, to 1,285.78. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 2.22 points, or 0.08 percent, to 2,735.11.