MO unemployment rate inches up

The Missouri unemployment rate edged up two-tenths of a point to 7.1 percent in July.

Though private sector employment grew by 2,900 jobs, total nonfarm payroll in Missouri decreased by a net of 100 jobs compared to June, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

The DED pointed to expansion in several sectors, including:

• construction, adding 1,700 jobs;

• professional, scientific and technical services, adding 1,200 jobs;

• private educational services, adding 1,600 jobs; and 

• transportation, warehousing and utilities, adding 1,000 jobs.

The U.S. unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a point registering at 7.4 percent last month. July represented the 47th consecutive month Missouri has had a lower jobless rate than the U.S., the release said.