Unemployment rates fell in 43 states last month -- the biggest nationwide drop in eight years.

The Labor Department announced Tuesday that only three states reported higher unemployment rates in November. Four states showed no change.

According to the report, the national unemployment rate dropped to 8.6 percent, the lowest since March 2009. 

The changes reflect a positive trend in the nation's job market. The department said the economy has generated 100,000 or more jobs for five months in a row.

The Dow Jones industrial average also rose more than 300 points Tuesday -- its best day this month.

Consumer confidence increased in Europe after Spain's recent debt auction.