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MNI BRIEF: US Feb Jobs Just Shy of Estimates; U-Rate 4.1%

MNI (WASHINGTON) - U.S. employers added 151,000 jobs in February, slightly less than analysts expected, as the unemployment rate edged up a tenth to 4.1% and wage growth moderated. Wall Street had forecast payrolls growth of 155,000 and a jobless rate of 4.0%. 

February payrolls growth slowed from the average monthly gain of 168,000 over the prior 12 months. In February, employment trended up in health care (+52k), financial activities (+21k), transportation and warehousing (+18), and social assistance (+11k). Federal government employment declined (-10k). Employment in December and January combined were revised 2k lower than previously reported. The employment situation report is unlikely to move the Federal Reserve from its current pause. 

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MNI (WASHINGTON) - U.S. employers added 151,000 jobs in February, slightly less than analysts expected, as the unemployment rate edged up a tenth to 4.1% and wage growth moderated. Wall Street had forecast payrolls growth of 155,000 and a jobless rate of 4.0%. 

February payrolls growth slowed from the average monthly gain of 168,000 over the prior 12 months. In February, employment trended up in health care (+52k), financial activities (+21k), transportation and warehousing (+18), and social assistance (+11k). Federal government employment declined (-10k). Employment in December and January combined were revised 2k lower than previously reported. The employment situation report is unlikely to move the Federal Reserve from its current pause. 

Keep reading...Show less