Unemployment hits record low in Brazil

Brazil's unemployment has hit a record low for the fourth straight month.

Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics statistics reveals that in November unemploy-ment dipped to 5.7 per cent, the lowest since officials began using the current methodology in 2002.

In the same month, a year ago, unemployment stood at 7.4 per cent.

And last month, the jobless rate was 6.1 per cent.

The government says Friday that increased activity in the auto, fuel, and services sectors all jumped from the same month a year ago.

Brazil's economy remains robust despite the global downturn, largely on the back of domestic consumption.

The government is expecting the economy to grow by 7.5 per cent this year.

- AP