Catherwood LibraryILR School

The U.S. economy added 151,000 jobs in February, falling short of economists’ expectations and signaling a potential slowdown in the labor market. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.1%, while layoffs surged to their highest level since 2020, driven in part by government job cuts. Experts suggest weakening hiring trends could push the Federal Reserve to resume interest rate cuts, though inflation concerns remain a key factor. The Fed’s next decision on rates is set for March 19, with upcoming inflation data expected to influence its stance.