by Daniel Costello

It's certainly good news to hear the unemployment rate unexpectedly dropped last month. But the Labor Department data released this morning included a few things that raise concern for me.

According to the Labor report, the manufacturing sector lost 41,000 jobs; the "trade, transportation, and utilities" sector lost 34,000 positions and construction jobs were down 27,000. Retail employment also fell by 14,500 - a potentially worrying sign for an economic recovery pinned on consumer spending and a strong holiday spending season.

Another weak area: the number of people who are eating out — often an early harbinger of economic recoveries. According to the labor data, 4,000 food services workers lost their jobs in November.

Many economists continue to predict the jobless rate will rise again in the coming months. It's hard to know who is right but warning signs that we aren't out of the woods just yet remain.