US jobless rate falls to 5-year low in November

There has been strong US jobs growth in the past four months

The US unemployment rate has fallen to a five year low of 7% in November, according to the US Labor Department.

203,000 new jobs were created last month, more than predicted, as the world's largest economy displayed more signs of strength.

The monthly non-farm payroll figure is closely watched by economists.

Analysts say these indications of strong growth could mean that the Federal Reserve will start to unwind its massive stimulus programme soon.

However, the November figure could be slightly distorted as some federal workers who were counted as jobless in the October figure, because of the 16-day partial government shutdown, returned to their jobs.

The report also indicated that the October and September non-farm payroll figures, which had also been strong, were even better than their first estimates.

Jobs gains for those two months were revised upwards by 8,000, in the November release.