U.S. unemployment rate ticks down

The national unemployment rate dropped a tenth of a point to 7.3 percent in August, compared to 7.4 percent in July.

Last month's jobless rate also is down from 8.8 percent in August 2012, according to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics news release.

During August, nonfarm payroll employment rose by 169,000 jobs, compared to an average monthly gain of 184,000 during the prior 12 months. August job growth was recorded in industries including retail trade, health care, food services and drinking places, professional and business services, and wholesale trade.

Retail trade employers added 44,000 jobs last month, bringing its total to roughly 393,000 during the past year. The industry was led by a 14,000 employment bump in clothing stores; 12,000 new jobs at food and beverage stores; 9,000 positions at general merchandise stores; and 4,000 jobs at electronics and appliance stores, the release said.

Health care employment rose by 33,000 in August, with most of the growth coming from ambulatory care services, at 27,000 jobs.

During the month, professional and business services employers added 23,000 jobs, bringing its total to 614,000 during the past year, according to the BLS.

Employment in food services and drinking places led the leisure and hospitality industry, adding 21,000 jobs.

Wholesale trade employment jumped by 8,000 positions, according to the release.

The number of unemployed in the country - 11.3 million - was roughly flat in August compared to the previous month.