By JEANNINE AVERSA and CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER
AP Economics Writers
WASHINGTON – The unemployment rate is suddenly sinking at the fastest pace in a half-century, falling to 9 percent from 9.8 percent in just two months – the most encouraging sign for the job market since the recession ended.
More than half a million people found work in January. A government survey found weak hiring by big companies. But more people appear to be working for themselves or finding jobs at small businesses.
The steepest two-month decline in unemployment since the Eisenhower administration is the latest sign that the economic recovery is picking up speed.