Unemployment Ticks Up, Jobs Disappoint SlightlyJohn Carney 7 Mar 2025
1:39
The U.S. labor market added 151,000 jobs in February, a modest acceleration from the 143,000 jobs gained in January but short of the 160,000 economists had forecast. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.1 percent, defying expectations that it would hold steady at 4.0 percent.
The February report underscores a labor market that remains resilient but is showing signs of cooling. Recent data had pointed to a slowdown, including weaker-than-expected private payrolls growth in the ADP employment report and indications of softening consumer spending. However, weekly jobless claims remain low, suggesting that layoffs have yet to rise meaningfully.
For the Federal Reserve, today’s report adds another piece to the puzzle ahead of its next policy meeting. Markets are closely watching Chair Jerome Powell’s scheduled remarks later today, his final public comments before the Fed’s upcoming rate decision. Investors, already jittery from mixed economic signals, are bracing for volatility in stocks and bonds as they assess whether today’s data strengthens or weakens the case for interest rate cuts later this year.
The report strengthens the case for tax cuts as a way to bolster economic momentum. With job growth slowing and unemployment edging up to 4.1 percent, the economy is showing signs of strain, particularly as businesses continue to strain under the legacy of Biden’s regulatory overreach.
https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2025/03/07/feb-jobs/
