What was the U.S. unemployment rate trend in 2018?

In 2018, the U.S. unemployment rate experienced a notable downward trend, reaching below 4%. This represented a significant milestone, as the rate was at its lowest in nearly two decades. The decrease in the unemployment rate can be attributed to a strong labor market, with job growth sustained across various sectors of the economy. Economic expansion during this time coupled with favorable conditions for job seekers contributed to the decreasing unemployment figures.

In contrast, while options suggesting an increase or steadiness point to events that did not occur during 2018, others are somewhat misleading as the unemployment rate consistently remained below 4% rather than fluctuating. This context helps clarify why the highlight of a fall below 4% accurately reflects the labor market's performance during that year.