The U.S. economy added 225,000 jobs in January and the unemployment rate ticked up to 3.6.
Economists had expected the economy to add 160,000 jobs. December’s figure was revised up from 145,000 to 147,000.
The unemployment rate edged up because the labor force participation rate increased, meaning the strong labor market drew more people into the workforce. The participation rate rose to 63.4 percent in January, the best rate since the last recession.
The employment to population ratio for prime age workers rose to 80.6 percent, the highest since 2001.
The growing list of controversies threatening Democrat Graham Platner’s Maine Senate bid
Conservatives erupt after Al Green melts down during viral clash: ‘Unhinged lunatic’
Trump says he will nominate acting AG Todd Blanche to permanently lead Justice Department
US military kills two alleged narco-terrorists in latest Eastern Pacific strike on drug-trafficking vessel
Rubio torches Democrat after bizarre hearing questions about his shoes: ‘Is this a circus?’
Gov. Mikie Sherrill accuses ICE of denying her access to Newark detention facility Delaney Hall
Bessent flips script on Dem senator with reminder about his son’s past ties to Epstein
Watch: Painful Silence Descends After AG Blanche Asks Dem Rep to Provide Source for Wild Epstein Claim, Then She Gives Dumbest Answer Possible
Garth Brooks Nears Unprecedented $2 Billion Deal That Would See Him Relinquish His Music Catalog: Report
Frontier passengers tackle man who allegedly choked off-duty flight attendant, tried to open door mid-flight
Watch: Marco Rubio Stunned as Democratic Rep Completely Loses It and Walks Out of Hearing
Islamic Guerilla Forces Attack Christians in African Country, Slaughter 21
Texas Leftist’s ‘Rally Against Rednecks’ Backfires
Christian Couple Wins Massive Victory Over Blue State That Barred Them from Foster Program
Thune moves to neutralize immigration bill landmines from DOJ lawfare fund
The Department of Labor said that notable job gains occurred in construction, in health care, and in transportation and warehousing. Construction employment was up by 44,000, which likely reflected the unusually warm weather in much of the country during the month.
Manufacturing remained in slump territory, losing 12,000 positions for the month and remaining essentially unchanged year over year.
Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 7 cents to $28.44. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 3.1 percent.
Story cited here.
