Business digest

NATION

Companies remain reluctant to hire

WASHINGTON — The competition for jobs is intensifying as companies are reluctant to hire new workers, leaving millions of unemployed Americans chasing fewer job openings.

There were nearly 6.4 unemployed workers, on average, for each available job at the end of November, according to Labor Department data released Tuesday. That’s up from 6.1 in October and a record high.

Decision on Saab brand expected in weeks

DETROIT — The final decision on whether the Saab brand will live or die is likely to come later this month or in February, General Motors Co.’s top European executive said Tuesday.

The statement from GM Europe President Nick Reilly came as the Swedish government took another step toward ending Saab’s life, appointing two men who will replace its board and CEO while supervising Saab’s closure.

The men, Stephen Taylor and Peter Torngren, will meet with management, unions and other Saab stakeholders and start working on a plan to close the troubled brand, GM said in a statement.

Associated Press