WASHINGTON (AP) -- he unemployment rate fell in most metro areas for the second straight month in September, but economists say it's not a sign the job market is improving.

The reason for the drop is largely attributed to more people giving up on the job hunt and no longer being included in the count.

The Labor Department reports the September unemployment rate fell in 223 of 380 metro areas, or about 59 percent. The jobless rate rose in 123 metro areas, and was unchanged in 34.

The trend of people dropping out of the labor force is expected to continue until the economy perks up.

A regional economist for IHS Global Insight says the job market isn't "recovering at all yet." And, he says the U.S. is "looking at another jobless recovery."

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