The jobless numbers prompted immediate action by the Federal Reserve to help the economy.

Recent indicators point to jobless numbers even higher than 9.1 percent in coming months.

Economists said that the increase in the jobless numbers was the first since the beginning of March, and a little more than expected.

Such cheery jobless numbers have taken everybody by surprise.

Yesterday's jobless numbers are further cause for concern.

This was the first decline since May 1990, when the jobless number dipped to 5.3 percent from 5.4 percent.

If the jobless numbers show continued weakness in the economy, the Federal Reserve will be under more pressure to cut rates to stimulate business.

The jobless numbers looked good but so many seasonal staff get hired at Christmas.

Recently released figures show the country's jobless numbers rising above five million for the first time, or 12.6 percent of the work force.

"Basically, the level we're looking at is the highest jobless number since October 1992," he said.