State unemployment holds steady

Missouri's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was flat at 7.3 percent in May, according to a news release from the state Department of Economic Development.

In April, the jobless rate dropped to 7.3 percent, its lowest point in 40 months.

During May, nonfarm payroll employment fell by 7,300, but employers added 24,700 new jobs during the first five months of 2012, according to the release.

Missouri's May jobless rate also was below the national average, which increased to 8.2 percent during the month.