The Latest From the BLS Employment Report: 156,000 Jobs Added in September The US economy added 156,000 jobs in September, and the unemployment rate unexpectedly edged higher, according to data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate, which has held at 4.9 percent since the spring, inched up to 5 percent as the labor participation rate inched up. The unexpected slowing of growth for US employment – for the third straight month – could make the Federal Reserve more cautious about raising interest rates. This month’s employment report will be pivotal because it is among the most significant economic data the Federal Reserve reviews before deciding whether to raise interest rates. While the Fed is looking at a variety of indicators to guide their decision on whether or not to raise the interest rate, this jobs report will have one of the heaviest influences. It seems that traders assign a 60% chance of a lift in the rate in December. Friday’s employment report will be the last before the Fed’s Nov. 1-2 policy meeting but some say a decision might be delayed until after the November 8th presidential election. Economists’ predictions Economists predicted 175,000�%A