81.   It fell today after the government reported a surprise rise in the U.S. jobless rate, suggesting U.S. interest rates may not head higher any time soon.

82.   It is typical for the jobless rate to rise after a slump, and economists consider it a lagging economic indicator.

83.   Jobless rates also rose in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and North Carolina.

84.   Jobless rates fell in Illinois and New York and rose in California and New Jersey, for example.

85.   Jobless rates in New York and New Jersey tumbled in December, falling to the lowest levels in several years in both New York City and New York state.

86.   Jobless rates are near record highs in most EU countries, and governments have intensified pressure for an agreement on opening up national markets.

87.   Jobless rates rose in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

88.   Labor Department officials said the jobless rate was not skewed by one-time events.

89.   Looking at recent trends in the county, Reaser said Los Angeles jobless rates have settled down from its double-digit range.

90.   Many economists say the current low jobless rate reflects the lingering auto industry strength of last year.