Monthly Employment Report from the U.S. Labor Dept.

The U.S. Labor Department reported on Friday that the economy's payroll increased in December 2011. This monthly employment report showed that 200,000 jobs were created, well above the 150,000 that was expected. However, a portion of that number is most likely being attributed to seasonal hiring for the holiday shopping season. 

The Unemployment Rate fell from 8.7% in November to 8.5% in December. The rate has been falling for 4 straight months and is currently at its lowest level since February 2009. Even though the rate has been dropping, this economy still leaves 24.4 million Americans either unemployed or underemployed.  

For more information, take a look at MSNBC's article.

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