New federal data shows the U.S. added 130,000 jobs in January, far surpassing expectations and easing fears of a sharp labor‑market slowdown. Health care, social assistance, and construction drove most of the gains, while some white‑collar sectors continued to shed jobs. The unemployment rate dipped to 4.3%, suggesting continued resilience despite high‑profile layoffs. These numbers will likely influence upcoming labor‑policy debates, including wage standards and workforce‑training initiatives.
See "U.S. payrolls rose by 130,000 in January, more than expected; unemployment down to 4.3%", Jeff Cox, CNBC, February 11, 2026