Missouri's unemployment rate dips

Missouri's unemployment rate dipped in August as employers statewide posted a net gain in job growth.

The state's jobless rate dropped to 4% last month from 4.2% in July, according to a news release. The data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center is seasonally adjusted.

Seasonally adjusted employment rose by 7,300 jobs during August, with goods-producing and service-providing industries leading the increase.

State officials warned, however, that "short-term shortages of semiconductor chips may hold down employment in manufacturing in the next few months."