U.S. Job Market Solid in April

According to the U.S. Labor Department, 177,000 jobs were added by U.S. employers in April. The unemployment rate in April remained unchanged at 4.2%.

These numbers indicate that the U.S. labor market remains in good condition. The solid labor market has allowed the Federal Reserve to hold off on interest rate cuts until more clarity came about President Trump’s policies and the impact they would have on the economy. The data reported was collected mid-April, following Trump’s announcement of steep tariffs on April 2 but possibly too early to see economic effect.

Employment in retail trade changed little in April, down 2,000. Over the most recent 6 months, retail trade employment has increased by 73,000, but overall, the industry has shown little net change over the year. Recent retail-related economic indicators are mixed. In March, the Real Personal Consumption Expenditures for goods increased increased 0.5% at a monthly rate and retail trade sales were up 1.4% from February 2025 and 4.6% from March of last year. Retail trade sales for building material and garden suppliers were up 3.3% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 2.6% unadjusted year over year. In contrast, the Consumer Confidence Index declined 7.9 points to 86 in April.