by Laura Conaway

Unemployment climbed again in April, from 8.5 percent to 8.9. The rate has risen 3.9 percent over the past year. For you watchers of U-6, the broadest measure of unemployment went up .2 percent to 15.8.

Unemployment's generally a lagging indicator, meaning we'll likely see the overall economy improve before businesses start hiring again. Fed chairman Ben Bernanke warned Congress as much this week.

Unemployment Rate

Percent of U.S. workers age 16 and older