Report: U.S. Unemployment Rate Drops To 6.9%

In October, the U.S. gained 638,000 jobs, which is fewer than in September. This job growth reduced the unemployment rate to 6.9%. The construction and retail sectors experienced strong growth, but the U.S. still has 10 million fewer jobs than before the pandemic began in March.

How many jobs were added to the U.S. economy in October?

• 672,000

• 604,000

• 700,000

• 638,000

By how many jobs did the October job gains fall short compared to September?

• 30,000

• 34,000

• 40,000

• 28,000

What was the national unemployment rate after the job gains in October?

• 6.8%

• 7.0%

• 6.9%

• 7.1%

Which sectors showed strong growth in October?

• Construction and Retail

• Finance and Education

• Manufacturing and Agriculture

• Technology and Healthcare

How many fewer jobs does the U.S. have compared to before the pandemic?

• 15 million

• 10 million

• 12 million

• 8 million