Employers in the U.S. added 303,000 workers to payrolls in March, with the unemployment rate dropping to 3.8%. Economists had forecasted 200,000 new jobs. Private sector employment grew, with construction and health care sectors seeing significant increases. Average hourly earnings increased by 4.1% over the past 12 months. The Fed is expected to cut rates in June, with some analysts predicting no cuts this year.
Key Points
Private sector employment grew by 232,000 in March.
Average hourly earnings increased by 4.1% over the past 12 months.
Fed expected to cut rates in June, with differing opinions among analysts.
Pros
Employers added 303,000 workers to payrolls in March.
Unemployment rate dropped to 3.8% from 3.9% in the prior month.
Private sector employment grew, with notable gains in construction and health care sectors.
Average hourly earnings increased by 4.1% over the past 12 months.
Cons
Some analysts believe the Fed may not cut interest rates at all this year.