Surprise dip in US jobless rate

News > World

Published: 5 Oct 2012 at 21.08
Online news: World

The US jobless rate sank to 7.8% in September, surprising many who expected it to remain flat at 8.1%, the Labor Department said on Friday.

The unemployment figure was the lowest since President Barack Obama took office in January 2009.

Analysts said the fall in the unemployment rate would provide the incumbent with a chance to talk about an improving economy and refocus his campaign after his poor debate performance this week against Republican Mitt Romney.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Forum

Your comments

pointman-1
Post : 243
Send message

Discussion 4 : 06 Oct 2012 at 09.574
Post this to my Facebook
To me this is no surprise. In the oil rich midwestern states, hundreds of milionaires are being made everyday. Places such as North Dakota, are booming. With labor prices skyrocketing in China, a lot of U.S. manufacturing is moving back to the United States. An economic recovery beyond expectations is happening in the USA. We're already seeing more products labled "made in the USA." I can see unemployment in the United States, dropping to 5%.
Like dislike 1 people liked / 6 people disliked this comment
khunbj
Post : 1,123
Send message

Discussion 3 : 06 Oct 2012 at 09.373
Post this to my Facebook
The "funny" thing is that Steve Liesman and Rick Santelli from CNBC predicted just this a few weeks back, that regardless of what really happened in the economy then this unemployment number would be below 8% next time...and it happened just like this...apparently it is an tradition to lower the number just before the presidential election....does it smell of foul play , it sure does . Just to set the record straight then I am not a Romney supporter, on the contrary.
Like dislike 10 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
luangtom
Post : 16
Send message

Discussion 2 : 06 Oct 2012 at 08.292
Post this to my Facebook
The numbers released for US unemployment come as NO surprise. These numbers take the attention off of President Obama's poor performance in the debates of Wednesday night. They deflect criticism of his debate performance or lack thereof. They do not include those ineligible for any further benefits nor those that gave up looking for work all together. The adjusted numbers could be as high as 12% or greater, if these other factors played into the mix. No, these numbers came out as they did for a purpose and it is serving its purpose well in the American press and television. It has accomplished what it was intended to do.
Like dislike 4 people liked / 3 people disliked this comment
spiceman
Post : 3,490
Send message

Discussion 1 : 06 Oct 2012 at 02.401
Post this to my Facebook
Yes, totally surprising, because the dimwitted Obama has nothing to do with it. Besides, millions of the unemployed simply give up looking for work.
Like dislike 12 people liked / 9 people disliked this comment

First Previous 1 2 3

Surprise dip in US jobless rate | Bangkok Post: news