Payrolls rise solidly; jobless rate at nine-year low

By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON, Dec 2 (Reuters) - - U.S. employers boosted hiring in November and the unemployment rate dropped to a more than nine-year low of 4.6 percent, making it almost certain that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates later this month. The solid gains in employment likely reflect rising confidence in the economy. Data for September and October were, however, revised to show 2,000 fewer jobs created than previously reported.