New Mexico unemployment rate drops to 6.3 percent in July

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's unemployment rate dropped to 6.3 percent in July, down from 6.4 percent in June and 6.8 percent in July 2016. The state Department of Workforce Solutions' monthly report released Friday says New Mexico's economy added 8,400 jobs between July 2016 and July 2017 but lost 10,000 jobs between June and July of this year. The department says the year-over-year jobs increase saw a loss of 3,100 government jobs partially offset a gain of 11,500 jobs in the private sector. Education and health services added 3,700 jobs, construction employment increased by 2,300 jobs and professional and business services grew by 2,000 jobs.