Demand for workers increased in October, but...

Demand for workers increased in October, but the collapse of financial markets could dampen the hiring outlook, a New York business information group said. The Conference Board said its seasonally adjusted help-wanted advertising index, compiled by surveying help-wanted advertisements in 51 major newspapers across the country, rose to 163 last month--4 points above its September level and 34 points above the year-ago level. The survey found that help-wanted advertising volume was up 1.9% in the Pacific region. Kenneth Goldstein, an economist, said changing attitudes since the Oct. 19 market crash could put an end to the brightening labor scene.