The US unemployment rate rose to a four-year high of 4.6% in November, up from 4.4% in September, indicating a weakening job market that is increasing debate among central bankers. Employers added 64,000 jobs in November, but this followed a significant drop of 105,000 jobs in October.

• The Labor Department reported the unemployment rate at 4.6% in November, a four-year high.
• The Federal Reserve, led by Fed chair Jerome Powell, is balancing a weakening job market with rising inflation.
• The number of people unemployed long-term (over six months) increased to 1.9 million in November.