Job growth across sectors stalled in September, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Manufacturing, construction and wholesale trade all reported little change during the month. The unemployment rate declined to 4.2 percent with the number of unemployed persons at 6.8 million.

Overall, total nonfarm payroll employment changed little in September. A sharp employment decline in food services and drinking places and below-trend growth in some other industries likely reflected the impact of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.

The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for July was revised down from +189,000 to +138,000, and the change for August was revised up from +156,000 to +169,000. With these revisions, employment gains in July and August combined were 38,000 less than previously reported.