The nation’s jobless rate dipped to 9 percent last month — its lowest since last April — but the slowdown in the economy continued as the number of new jobs added dipped to its fewest in four months.
The Labor Department says the economy added 80,000 jobs in October, below September’s revised total of 158,000. The government revised August and September’s data to show 102,000 more jobs added.
October’s modest job growth is barely enough to keep pace with population growth. About twice as many are needed to lower the unemployment rate. Many employers are hesitant to step up hiring until they see steady demand from consumers.
