U.S. added 178,000 jobs in March, reflecting resilient job market

U.S. added 178,000 jobs in March, blowing past expectations and showing a resilient labor market just as the war with Iran began escalating alongside oil prices

The United States added 178,000 jobs in March, blowing past expectations and showing a resilient labor market just as the war with Iran began escalating, sending up oil prices.

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The unemployment rate fell to 4.3% last month, down from 4.4%. The gains were concentrated in health care, construction, transportation and warehousing.

Despite the outsized headline figure, there were further indications that the job market remains wobbly. Wage growth declined to 3.5% in March from 3.8% in February, falling short of forecasts.