November’s job numbers as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed employers added more than 260,000 jobs in November despite other indicators pointing toward a slowing economy. Of those positions, leisure and hospitality added 88,000 jobs in November with restaurants and bars leading overall in employment gains, accounting for over 62,000 new positions. Notwithstanding, employment in leisure and hospitality remains below its pre-pandemic level by 5.8 percent, or 980,000 jobs. The overall unemployment rate remained unchanged through November at 3.7 percent. At the same time, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported that consumer spending jumped by 0.8 percent in October compared to the previous month, amounting to the largest gain since June as Americans spend more on essentials—including food, rent, and transportation.  In light of inflation and increased consumer spending, the personal savings rate—an indicator that measures how much money people have left over after spending and taxes—dropped to the lowest level since 2005.