The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.9 percent in October compared with September, but was up from 3.5 percent in October 2006. This is the fourth consecutive month the rate has held steady.

“The Iowa labor market appears to be holding its own in spite of the current turmoil in the financial markets and the slowdown in housing,” said Elisabeth Buck, Iowa Workforce Development director, in a press release.

Employment rose to 1.61 million last month, the highest level for the year and up from 1.607 the previous month. Meanwhile, nonfarm employment fell by 900 to 1.525 million after a gain of 3,900 in September. The figure was still up 22,500 from the previous October.

Professional and business services added 1,000 jobs last month, reaching a record level of 121,500, and financial activities grew by 400. Construction, manufacturing and health services were each down by 500 during the month and leisure and hospitality positions fell by 400.