JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A new report says Missouri's unemployment rate edged lower in January while the state recorded a net loss of 4,700 jobs.

Tuesday's report from the Department of Economic Development says the state's jobless rate stood at 6.5 percent in January, down one-tenth of a point from December.

The trade, transportation and utilities sector reported the largest decline in jobs with a drop of 2,700 positions. The manufacturing sector lost 1,400 jobs, and the information sector lost 1,200 jobs.

The declines were partly offset by gains of 900 jobs in financial services and 400 in construction.

Missouri's civilian labor force numbered about 3 million, down by nearly 3,000 from December. The labor force includes people with jobs and those who are unemployed but looking for work.

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