WASHINGTON — Three days after voters registered their sourness about the U.S. economy, the government says employers added a solid 214,000 jobs in October, extending the healthiest pace of hiring in eight years.
The Labor Department also says that 31,000 more jobs were added in August and September than it had previously estimated. The revised figures show that employers have added at least 200,000 jobs for nine straight months, the longest such stretch since 1995.
The burst of hiring lowered the unemployment rate to 5.8 percent from 5.9 percent. That is the lowest rate since July 2008.
Economic growth has accelerated this year and hiring has been robust. Yet despite the data, the economy was voters’ top concern in Tuesday’s elections. That suggests the improvement hasn’t yet been felt by many Americans.
-
Local & State
Cost to fix Maine's busiest highway bridge 50% higher than expected
-
Letters
Letter to the editor: Speak out against metastasizing scourge of online sexual harassment
-
Letters
Letter to the editor: Offshore wind projects will add to hazards faced by coastal mariners
-
Letters
Letter to the editor: People with anxiety disorders deserve acceptance, treatment
-
Letters
Letter to the editor: Taxpayers won't benefit if state takes back full cost of teacher retirement