US jobs growth slows sharply as election looms

Jobs growth in the US slowed sharply in October as hurricanes and strikes disrupted the economy.

Employers added 12,000 jobs last month, much lower than the 223,000 created in September, according to the Labor Department.

But while hiring slowed, the unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%.

The closely watched figures, which give an indication about the strength of the US economy, are the last to be released before Americans head to the polls on Tuesday to elect the country's next president.

The Labor Department said healthcare and government roles continued their rising trend last month, but fewer new manufacturing jobs were added due to strike activity.

The 12,000 jobs added to payrolls is much lower than economists expected. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast payrolls rising 113,000.