MO unemployment rate drops to 8.9%

Missouri seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent during April from 9.1 percent in March, according to data released today by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

The state's unemployment rate has dropped by seven-tenths of a point since January, according to a news release.

Missouri nonfarm payroll employment added 2,500 jobs during April, with growth in construction, manufacturing and retail trade. In April, nearly 250,000 Missourians were employed in the manufacturing sector, a 3.2 percent increase, or 7,700 jobs, compared to the same time last year.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is currently 9 percent, the release said.