New York, NY, United States (AHN) – A big drop in unemployment claims filings last week failed to keep the Dow from sliding on Thursday as blue chips investors were cautious ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting next week.

Worst loser 3M, with its narrowed 2010 profit target, dragged the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 12 points or 0.11 percent to 11,114 as investors suspect another round of bond buying by the central bank.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index managed a 1 point or 0.11 percent gain to close at 1,184 with the push coming from gainers in the health-care and consumer-discretionary sectors.

The Nasdaq Composite Index rose 4 points or 0.16 percent to end at 2,507.

Oil futures for December delivery rose 24 cents to settle at $82 per barrel.

Gold futures for December delivery rose almost $20 to close at $1,342.

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