U.S. job growth accelerated in September, but the unemployment rate increased to a four-year high of 4.4% and the economy in August shed jobs for the second time this year as employers navigate an uncertain environment.

The increase in the jobless rate to the highest level since October 2021 reported by the Labor Department in its closely watched employment report on Thursday was from 4.3% in August and reflected more people entering the labor market in search of work. Other data from the Labor Department showed layoffs remained low in mid-November, suggesting the labor market remained in a holding pattern.

“The combined jobs market data this morning does not point to a rapid deterioration of labor market conditions and affirms a modest growth path in the economy and employment,” said Jo

See Full Page