The United States added, on net, 169,000 payrolls in August--roughly in line with the 12-month average of 184,000. Retail was particularly strong, adding 44,000 payrolls. Health care also showed strength, adding 33,000 payrolls. Professional and business services added 23,000 payrolls in August. Motor vehicle and parts manufacturing rose by 19,000 last month after a 10,000-payroll decline in July. Auto manufacturing firms laid off more workers than usual for the model year changeover in July, but many workers came back to factories in August.
