10.22.13
The U.S. created a modest 148,000 jobs in September and the number of people hired in August was higher than previously indicated, according to data released Tuesday.The nation’s unemployment rate dropped in September to 7.2% from 7.3%, as more people found work, marking the lowest jobless rate since November 2008, according to figures released by the Labor Department.
Economists surveyed had forecast a 185,000 gain in new jobs.
The long-delayed September employment report, which was supposed to be released almost three weeks ago, pointed to an economy that was growing at a modest if choppy pace toward the end of summer. Yet the closure of the federal government in the first half of October rattled businesses and consumers and might have put a damper on hiring intentions for the rest of the year.
Economists surveyed had forecast a 185,000 gain in new jobs.
The long-delayed September employment report, which was supposed to be released almost three weeks ago, pointed to an economy that was growing at a modest if choppy pace toward the end of summer. Yet the closure of the federal government in the first half of October rattled businesses and consumers and might have put a damper on hiring intentions for the rest of the year.