U.S. jobless rate ticks higher in Sep; participation rate at 6-month high, indicates moderation in labor market

The United States rate of unemployment ticked modestly higher during the month of September, although the participation rate among the working age population soared to six-month high during the period, indicating that the country’s labor market has started to show signs of stabilization that could well support the case for an interest rate hike in December.

The U.S. jobless rate rose slightly to 5.0 percent in September, from 4.9 percent in August, defying expectations for no change, data released by the US Labor Department showed Friday. Also, the U.S. economy had a net gain of 156,000 jobs in September, the report showed.

Further, the report showed that 7.9 million Americans are out of work, a number that changed little in September. Another 5.9 million people are considered 'under-employed,' because are working part-time, but want full time work.

A positive report on the job market tends to help the incumbent political party, which is trying to convince voters that it has done a good job managing the economy. Bad economic news could help persuade voters that it is time for a change of leadership.

A mixed bag of labor market data increased complications for the United States Federal Reserve, which has kept rates on hold for a sufficient amount of time, waiting to witness an improvement in the economy. However, the rise in participation rate has more than offset the marginal rise in unemployment, strengthening the case for a rate hike in December.

Meanwhile, employers continued to add to payrolls in September as record openings drew more Americans into the workforce and most found jobs, indicating the U.S. labor market is settling into a pace that will support the economy.