Business and Finance
THE JOBLESS RATE ROSE to 7% in September from 6.8%, indicating the economy remains weak and uneven. A separate report by purchasing agents showed continued growth in the industrial sector despite sluggish employment. The rise in joblessness heightened pressure on the Fed to push interest rates lower.</br></br>The Senate approved a $574.5 billion spending bill for fiscal 1987, setting the stage for an unusual House-Senate budget conference. The debate poses a major test for Reagan and the Gramm-Rudman deficit law.</br></br>---</br></br>USX Corp. has put its chemical business up for sale, which could become part of a takeover defense, sources said. The company's stock soared Friday on speculation investor Carl Icahn was preparing a bid.</br></br>---