The U.S. job market showed stronger-than-expected growth in June, with employers adding 147,000 new jobs, according to data released Thursday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, down from 4.2% the previous month.
The June figures exceeded economists’ forecasts, which had projected a gain of 117,500 jobs. May’s job total was also revised upward by 5,000 to 144,000, and April’s figure was adjusted up by 11,000 to 158,000, signaling a steady upward trend. Over the past three months, average job growth has remained solid at approximately 150,000 positions per month.
Financial markets responded positively to the news. According to CNN, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 96 points (0.22%), while the S&P 500 increased by 0.4%, and the Nasdaq gained 0.6%.
Some business leaders attributed the continued economic momentum to a combination of policies. Alfredo Ortiz, CEO of the Job Creators Network, commented on Fox Business that a mix of trade, tax, and regulatory measures has contributed to the current employment environment.
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