Australia’s jobless rate unexpectedly rose in January as the impact of record-low interest rates and a weaker currency waned following strong employment growth late last year. * Jobless rate rose to 6% from 5.8%; economists predicted 5.8% * Employment fell 7,900 from December; economists forecast 13,000 gain * Full-time jobs dropped 40,600; part-time employment gained 32,700 * Participation rate, a measure of labor force in proportion to the population, was unchanged at 65.2%, matching economists’ forecasts Australian policy makers are trying to support growth against a backdrop of stagnant wages, falling business ... (full story)