New data shows the number of people filing for jobless benefits in the United States has fallen to its lowest point in more than four-and-a-half years. The number of claims dropped by 30,000 last week, according to government figures. While the unexpected dip may have been partly distorted by seasonal adjustments, it comes amidst other signs of improvement in the job market that could bolster President Obama’s bid for re-election. Last week the government reported the unemployment rate had dropped to 7.8 percent in September, its lowest rate since Obama took office.