The good news: The US economy added 160,000 jobs in April.
The bad news: Economists expected 202,000, which was already seen as a slowdown from the recent 232,000.
Worries about the rest of the world’s economies and the strength of the US Dollar have suggested that the American economy may slow down. GDP hit the lowest pace in two years for the first quarter, but is still positive. Part of the fewer jobs may be the 61,582 layoffs, which is worrying to some, but others see as a necessary part of a re-tooling cycle. The job participation rate stayed the same, about 63%. At least for people hunting for mortgages there is one other bit of good news: interest rates are less likely to rise.
(Click on the graph for the link.)
“US Adds Just 160,000 Jobs In April” – The Guardian
Pretending Not To Panic 