The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for jobless benefits fell 20,000 last week, in line with forecasts, as the impact of hurricanes Gustav and Ike eased, government data on Thursday showed.

A subsidiary of The Travelers Cos. has entered into an agreement to sell another Travelers subsidiary, Unionamerica Holdings, to a subsidiary of Bermuda-based Enstar Group.

Willis Arndt, director and treasurer of the Stonington Historical Society, has joined Prudential Connecticut Realty’s Stonington office as a sales executive.

Coldwell Banker has hired two former Prudential Connecticut Realty sales associates at its Avon office, as well as adding another sales associate at its Darien office.

A.M. Best has placed the financial strength and issuer credit ratings of The Hartford under review, with negative implications, following the insurance giant’s announcement of a $2.5 billion investment from Europe’s largest insurer.