What we know: The final jobs report before the election showed a slowdown in hiring — a sign the labor market is in for a long road to recover from the Wuhan virus pandemic, but also showing signs of progress.
Economists expected employers to add 850,000 jobs last month, the smallest figure since the labor market’s recovery began in May. That fell short with 661k being added last month.
Leisure and hospitality, one of the industries hit hardest by the pandemic, once again led in terms of job growth, with gains of 318,000. Retail added 142,000, and health care and social assistance rose by 108,000.
Professional and business services increased by 89,000 and the transportation and warehousing sector grew by 74,000. Manufacturing added 66,000 and financial activities rose by 37,000.