Employers advertised more jobs in September than at any other point in the past three years, a hopeful sign that companies may step up hiring.

The unemployment rate dropped to 9 percent from 9.1 percent, the first time it has fallen since July and the lowest rate since April, the government said Friday.

The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications dropped 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 397,000, the lowest level in five weeks. It's only the third time since April that applications have fallen below 400,000.

Manufacturing growth slowed in October from the previous month, a troubling sign that factories are struggling in the weak economy.

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits dipped slightly last week, though not by enough to suggest that hiring is picking up.

Unemployment rates fell in half of U.S. states last month, a sign that September's pickup in hiring was felt around the country.

The number of people applying for unemployment benefits declined slightly last week, leaving applications above levels consistent with a healthy economy.

The number of people applying for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week, a sign the job market isn't getting much better.