This increase was more than analysts had expected and the biggest this year. Economists described it as "encouraging".
The jobless rate, which is based on a different survey, crept up to 5.5% from 5.4%, but this was explained by more people looking for jobs.
Average earnings rose 0.3% compared with the previous month, to $24.96 an hour.
This is a measure closely watched by policymakers as they assess when to start raising interest rates.
Consistently higher wages, as well as the improving jobs market, will add to the argument for a rate increase, which most observers currently expect to happen in September, rather than at its next meeting in June.Read more on bbc.
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