Resilient April Jobs Report Signals Steady U.S. Labor Market Amid Middle East Tensions

U.S. employers added 115,000 jobs in April and the unemployment rate held at 4.3%, a surprise gain led by healthcare, transportation/warehousing, retail and social assistance, with losses in federal government and information sectors. March was revised up to +185,000 and February down to -156,000. ADP private payrolls rose 109,000, the largest gain since January 2025. The data comes as the Fed keeps rates steady amid ongoing Middle East conflict and higher oil prices, fueling uncertainty about policy direction.