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First Jobs Report of Trump Era Shows Solid Gains, Weaker Wages

In the first employment report of Donald Trump’s presidency, the economy gained 227,000 jobs, surpassing economists’ predictions of 175,000.
Employment seeking American University students line up waiting to talk to job recruiters during a career job fair at American University in Washington
Students line up waiting to talk to job recruiters during a career job fair. REUTERS/Jose Luis MaganaREUTERS

In the first employment report of Donald Trump’s presidency, the economy gained 227,000 jobs during the month of January, surpassing economists’ predictions of 175,000.

However, the unemployment rate edged up from a steady 4.7 percent to 4.8 percent, and wages rose by just 0.1 percent ( three cents per hour) — a sharp difference from December’s solid 2.5 percent gain, according to Friday’s statistics from the Bureau of Labor.

The retail sector added the most positions — a total of 46,000 — with construction gaining 36,000 jobs and financial activities increasing by 32,000 jobs. Professional and technical services went up by 23,000; bars and restaurants added 30,000 jobs; and health care contributed 18,000.