A report from the Labor Department shows an increase of 200,000 jobs in December, dropping the unemployment rate to 8.5%. The increase in jobs is above most predictions, and was spread throughout the economy. This is the fourth month that the unemployment rate has fallen. Analysts say that the results indicate a positive trend for the economy, though they caution that it will take time to fully recover. Altogether, the economy added 1.6 million jobs in 2011. Average hourly pay and working time also increased.
See "Nation added 200,000 jobs in December, ending the year with a surge of hiring; rate at 8.5 pct", The Associated Press, The Washington Post, January 5, 2012