February Jobs Report Shows Gains but Less Than Expected

This might be the last of the job reports that will not be impacted by the significant changes in trade policy that are in train.

RSM US Chief Economist Joe Brusuelas, on the February jobs report. Brusuelas said while the labor market remained strong last month, the Trump administration’s recent tariff announcements could affect future months.

Why It Matters: The monthly jobs report provides a valuable snapshot of the U.S. labor market, offering insights into employment trends and the broader economic health of the country. The latest report shows that the unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.1% and that 151,000 jobs were added in February — about 9,000 less than forecasters expected but still more growth than in January. Additionally, employers across the U.S. announced the highest number of layoffs in nearly five years, and 10,000 of those layoffs came within the federal government — early signs, economists say, of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) efforts.

READ the actual report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S. Department of Labor)

Read More: U.S. Added 151,000 Jobs Last Month (The Wall Street Journal)

Employers added 151,000 jobs in February, missing forecasts (CBS News)