LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan’s unemployment rate rose by a tenth of a percentage point to 4.0 percent in December.

Figures released Wednesday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget show that while Michigan’s jobless rate was rising, the U.S rate declined by two-tenths of a percentage point during the same period to 3.9 percent. Michigan’s rate last month compared with a December 2017 rate of 4.7 percent.

The agency says total employment in Michigan last month edged up by 1,000 while the number of unemployed rose by 4,000, resulting in a monthly labor force gain of 5,000.

Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives Director Jason Palmer says Michigan’s labor market showed continued improvement during 2018, with the unemployment rate falling for a ninth straight year.