Kalista

Analysts Say As Many As 2 Million People Could Lose Jobs

WASHINGTON -- Economists are expecting more U.S. job losses in the coming months on top of the 80,000 that were cut last month.

Mark Zandi of Moody's Economy.com said businesses are "getting nervous and pulling back."

Analysts said they expect the jobless rate to peak around 6 percent early next year.

They said as many as 2 million people could lose their jobs in a recession that may have already begun.

Construction workers, real-estate agents and auto workers could be among those hardest hit. School and medical jobs should be safer.

Hiring is also expected to hold up in areas where people spend no matter how the economy is doing -- places like grocery stores, gas stations and repair shops.

However, because people may put off things like vacations, various segments of the tourism industry, including hotels and restaurants, could suffer.

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