THE WEEK THAT WAS...

U.S. adds 178,000 jobs

The Labor Department released good news: The unemployment rate fell to the lowest level in nearly a decade — 4.6% — as the economy added 178,000 net new jobs in November. The latest jobs report virtually assures that Federal Reserve off icials will raise a key interest rate this month. But it wasn’t all rosy as average hourly earnings slipped 3 cents, the f irst decline in nearly a year.

Trump makes Treasury pick

President-elect Donald Trump chose Steven Mnuchin, a wealthy Wall Street executive and Hollywood movie producer who served as his campaign finance chairman, to be the next Treasury secretary. The selection drew ire from Democratic and consumer groups, which have accused Mnuchin of prof iting from the financial crisis after buying IndyMac Bank, a failed Pasadena thrift.

Wells clients may get to sue

Wells Fargo customers who learned that bank employees opened accounts without their consent later discovered another problem when they tried to sue. They couldn’t. The San Francisco bank says that clauses in contracts the customers signed when they opened legitimate accounts forced all disputes into private arbitration. Now two lawmakers have introduced a bill to change that.

Looking into China’s deals

Pressure is mounting on the U.S. government to more closely scrutinize China’s growing ownership of Hollywood’s film industry. Senate Minority Leader-elect Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said China’s investments in U.S. industries, including f ilm, deserve a more critical look given restrictions that American companies and f ilms face when they seek access to the Chinese market.