US DATA: BLS also released Dec metro area employment: “Unemployment
rates were lower in December than a year earlier in 329 of the 372
metropolitan areas, higher in 36 areas, and unchanged in 7 areas, the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Ten areas recorded
jobless rates higher than 15.0 percent, while 24 areas registered rates
of less than 5.0 percent. Two hundred thirty-nine metropolitan areas
reported over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 127
reported decreases, and 6 had no change.”