The Labor Department reports the U.S. created 228,000 jobs in November. Economists expected 200,000 new nonfarm jobs. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%. Wages rose 0.2%, or 5 cents, to an average of $26.55 an hour and are up 2.5% from November 2016. The average workweek rose 6 minutes to 34.5 hours. October job gains wererevised downward 244,000 from 261,000.
The University of Michigan reports its consumer sentiment index for December fell to a three-month low of 96.8. Economists expected 99. Expectations fell, while consumers said their current situations improved. Over the last 12 months, the index for current economic conditions has climbed 3.6% but the index for consumer expectations has dropped 5.5%.
Serving the West Side first, I am Bill Roller of BR Capital for 1360 KUIK.
