On February 7, 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its January employment report, revealing a deceleration in job growth. The economy added 143,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in January, a notable decrease from the revised 307,000 jobs gained in December. This figure fell short of economists’ expectations, who had anticipated an increase of approximately 170,000 jobs.  Despite the slowdown in job creation, the unemployment rate edged down from 4.1% to 4.0%. Additionally, average hourly earnings saw a significant rise, increasing by 0.5% in January compared to a 0.3% gain in December.  The labor market exhibited strength in sectors such as healthcare, retail trade, and social assistance, which all reported job gains. Conversely, industries like mining and oil and gas extraction e
On February 7, 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its January employment report, revealing a deceleration in job growth. The economy added 143,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in January, a notable decrease from the revised 307,000 jobs gained in December. This figure fell short of economists’ expectations, who had anticipated an increase of approximately 170,000 jobs.  Despite the slowdown in job creation, the unemployment rate edged down from 4.1% to 4.0%. Additionally, average hourly earnings saw a significant rise, increasing by 0.5% in January compared to a 0.3% gain in December.  The labor market exhibited strength in sectors such as healthcare, retail trade, and social assistance, which all reported job gains. Conversely, industries like mining and oil and gas extraction e