U.S. Adds 177,000 Jobs, Unemployment Steady at 4.2%

The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April, surpassing expectations and demonstrating resilience despite concerns over President Trump's trade policies and ongoing tariff uncertainty. The unemployment rate held steady at a low 4.2%, and average hourly earnings increased nearly 4% year-over-year, with more Americans entering or returning to the workforce. While some sectors, such as transportation, warehousing, healthcare, and construction, saw notable job gains, factories lost a modest number of positions. Analysts noted that, despite the potential risks posed by tariffs and trade tensions, there were no immediate adverse effects visible in the labor market. President Trump credited these gains to his economic policies, while economists and business leaders highlighted continued job reshoring and the labor market's unexpected strength. Some experts warned that the outlook could become more uncertain if economic headwinds intensify later in the year.