Payroll gains and falling unemployment keep Fed on hold, analysts say

US employers added 178,000 jobs in March, and the unemployment rate edged down to 4.3% from 4.4% (−0.1 percentage point). The print signals steady labor-market momentum and is mildly positive for the economy; it may modestly reinforce expectations for continued Fed vigilance on inflation but is unlikely to decisively change the near-term rate outlook.

Analysis

US employers added 178,000 jobs in March, and the unemployment rate edged down to 4.3% from 4.4% (−0.1 percentage point). The print signals steady labor-market momentum and is mildly positive for the economy; it may modestly reinforce expectations for continued Fed vigilance on inflation but is unlikely to decisively change the near-term rate outlook.