US DATA: BLS earlier released Dec metro area unemployment data,
saying rates were lower in December than a year earlier in 238 of the
372 metropolitan areas, higher in 115 areas, and unchanged in 19 areas.
Fourteen areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 14
areas registered rates of less than 5.0 percent. Two hundred
metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll
employment, 156 reported decreases, and 16 had no change.