The U.S. economy added 311,000 jobs in February, and the unemployment rate ticked up to 3.6 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The gains were well above the consensus estimates of around 200,000 new jobs, in another sign that the labor market is stronger than many expected given recent Federal Reserve rate hikes. In January, the U.S. added a whopping half a million jobs, despite expectations of a sizable slow down in hires.
What sectors are driving the gains? Leisure and hospitality, once again leading the charge, added 105,000 jobs, with food services and drinking places adding the lion's share.
Retail, meanwhile, added 50,000 jobs, with general merchandise stores contributing the bulk, and government employment increased 46,000 in February.
On the losing side, the information industry shed 25,000 jobs, and transportation and warehousing lost 22,000 jobs — the second large drop for the sector since the beginning of the year.
New car owner analysis from Insurify finds drivers spend an average of $5,851 a year on insurance, gas and maintenance alone, separate from financing costs.
Oil prices are climbing again after Saudi Arabia shut down a critical pipeline that has served as a major alternative route around the Strait of Hormuz.
Ryan Hamburger, Chief Commercial Officer at Instacart, explains how Clementine uses AI to personalize grocery shopping, build carts, find deals, and save time.
Ari Hawkins, Trade Reporter at POLITICO, examines Canada’s retaliation, Trump’s latest trade threats and the potential impact on businesses and consumers.
