WASHINGTON (AP) — Hiring slowed to a near-standstill last month, raising doubts that the economy will rebound in the second half of the year after a spring slump.

The economy generated only 18,000 net jobs in June, the fewest in nine months. The unemployment rate rose to 9.2 percent, the highest rate of the year.

Stocks plunged after the report was released. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 132 points in the first hour of trading. Broader indexes also declined.

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