The economy did not add any new jobs in August. The unemployment rate was steady at 9.1%, and a broader unemployment measure fell to 16.1% from 16.3%. This was the first time in 11 months that there was not a net increase in jobs. The job growth numbers for July have been revised to 85,000. Economists said that the flat job report was partly due to the turmoil in the debt-ceiling debate, stock market changes and other concerns, as well as sluggish consumer demand.
See "Job Growth at Halt in U.S.; Worst Showing in 11 Months", Shaila Dewan, The New York Times, September 1, 2011