
US job growth surprises again, fueling hopes for a Fed pause
The US added 115,000 jobs in April, beating economists’ expectations for the second straight month, while the unemployment rate stayed at 4.3%. Revisions show three-month average gains of about 48,000, hinting the labor market remains sturdy. Strong hiring in retail and transportation/warehousing helped lift stocks, even as wage growth was modest and energy prices rose on a Middle East tensions-driven spillover. The report supports the view that the Fed may hold rates steady for now, with some economists anticipating slower hiring later in the year.








