Page 8 - Christopher Rupkey News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Production at U.S. factories rose in November, lifted by a rebound in motor vehicle output following the end of strikes, but activity was weaker elsewhere as manufacturing grapples with higher borrowing costs and softening demand. Despite the manufacturing sector's mixed fortunes, the economy continued to expand as the year ended. A survey on Friday showed business activity picked up in December amid rising orders and demand for workers in the services industry.

A report from the Labor Department on Wednesday strengthened optimism that overall inflation would continue to subside and allow the Federal Reserve to start cutting interest rates next year.

Employers are growing more cautious, pulling down some job postings and reining in hiring. Employees are sticking around more and not bouncing as readily for better opportunities.

The US economy added 199,000 jobs in November, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Friday.

The unemployment rate in the US dropped to 3.7 percent