The Conference Board’s US employment trends index increased in September to a reading of 121.68, up from August’s upwardly revised reading of 121.32. The September reading is up 6.1 percent from the same month a year ago.

“The employment trends index increased for the ninth consecutive month, signaling solid job growth through year end,” said Gad Levanon, director of macroeconomic research at The Conference Board. “A combination of positive and negative forces has been driving the rapid decline in the unemployment rate in recent years. Hiring is strong, but productivity growth is weak, and the participation rate continues to decline. None show signs of reversing.”