U.S. April Nonfarm Payroll Up 115,000, Jobless Rate Steady


   
Barani Krishnan
DTN Refined Fuels Market Reporter

   SECAUCUS, NJ (DTN) -- The U.S. labor market added 115,000 jobs in April as 
the unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%, according to data released Friday by 
the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

   The monthly employment gain surpassed the market expectation for a gain of 
65,000 jobs, although the figure represented a decline from the 185,000 
positions created during an unusually strong March.

   Employment in April trended higher in health care, transportation and 
warehousing, and retail trade, while the information services sector lost 
13,000 positions as artificial intelligence impacts continue.

   Average hourly earnings increased 0.2% for the month and 3.6% on an annual 
basis, coming in slightly lower than the respective economist estimates of 0.3% 
and 3.8%.

   The April data will be closely monitored for its potential impact on future 
Federal Reserve interest rate decisions as the labor market continues to defy 
expectations for a slowdown.




(c) Copyright 2026 DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.