Jobs report gives a final lackluster snapshot prior to election − but overall, the economy under Biden has been a tale of 2 eras

The U.S. economy added just 12,000 jobs in October 2024, less than most economists expected and providing voters with a downcast bit of data as they head to the polls.

But the figures aren't that surprising, given the impact of work stoppages at Boeing and the adverse affect of hurricanes Milton and Helene.

The data, released Nov. 1 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, had been eagerly anticipated, providing Americans - and the U.S. media - a final snapshot of the jobs market before Election Day on Nov. 5.

But a snapshot is all the report ...