The household survey data in particular provided evidence of interruptions to economic activity. In the week of the survey (early November) the number of workers unable to work or not working full-time due to bad weather rose significantly.
The establishment survey data show an ongoing positive trend in the private sector. Despite losses in the goods producing sector, job gains of 147,000 were very close to the average of the preceding three months. However, as a result of an increase in the workweek, aggregate hours worked in the manufacturing sector rose slightly. The retail sector saw a pronounced recovery. Following the disappointing October figures, the latest data on hours worked and hourly earnings point to an at least moderate rise in labor income. In real terms, however, this is likely to be clearly higher.
All in all, the results of the payroll report point to a solid trend in production and demand.