The U.S. created 192,000 jobs in March, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.7%, the result of more than a half-million people joining the labor force in search of work, according to Labor Department figuresissued Friday. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch expected an increase of 200,000 nonfarm jobs. In March, hiring was strongest in the professional ranks and at bars and restaurants. Manufacturing shed 1,000 jobs but was the only sector to do so. Average hourly wages, meanwhile, dipped 1 cent to $24.30 after several strong gains. And the average workweek jumped 0.2 hours to 34.5 hours, matching a post-recession high. The labor-force participation rate moved up to 63.2% from 63%, as 503,000 people searched for work, a sign that they think more jobs are available. Employment gains for February and January were revised higher by a combined 37,000. The number of new jobs created in February was raised to 197,000 from 175,000, while January's figure was increased to 144,000 from 129,000.
Source: Marketwatch
Source: Marketwatch
