US Economy Adds 115000 Jobs in April Beating Expectations for Second Month

The US economy added 115,000 jobs in April, nearly twice the number economists had forecast, marking the second consecutive month of beating expectations. Revisions to prior months showed an average gain of 48,000 jobs over the past three months, in line with the level needed to absorb new workforce entrants.

The figures arrived despite economic uncertainty from the US-Israel war in Iran. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up global energy prices and increased gasoline costs for American consumers.

Non-farm payrolls had fallen by 156,000 in February before rising by 185,000 in March. April's stronger performance helped lift major US stock indexes, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.8% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.2%. Economists pointed to strength in retail as well as transportation and warehousing sectors.

These areas offered positive signals about discretionary spending even as higher gasoline prices reduced consumers' purchasing power. The report also contained mixed signals. Wage growth remained slow and the share of working-age people seeking employment contracted.

A senior labor official called the report evidence of resilience, stating it was the second month in a row that the economy had beaten job expectations. >"This is the second month in a row that President Trump's economy has beaten job expectations. " — Acting US Secretary of Labor, May 2026 (Yahoo Finance) The White House described the April figures as another sign that the American economy remains on a solid trajectory.

A spokesperson added that every leading indicator pointed in the right direction. One economist noted the data reinforced the view that the labor market is stable and potentially accelerating. Another projected that job growth would likely slow in coming months, with the unemployment rate possibly rising to 4.7% by year-end.

The better-than-expected employment numbers added to expectations that the Federal Reserve would keep interest rates on hold as it monitors inflation pressures. The solid hiring came after months of fluctuating job numbers that had created uncertainty about the pace of economic growth.

The latest data provides a snapshot of labor market health amid external shocks from higher energy costs. Officials continue to watch for any broader effects from the ongoing conflict and its impact on consumer spending.