In February, U.S. employers added 151,000 jobs, a number that fell below economists’ expectations and signals a possible deceleration in the labor market, coinciding with signs of slowing economic growth.

Economic Indicators

Economic forecasts had anticipated an increase of 160,000 jobs for the month, per a survey conducted by FactSet. The unemployment rate rose to 4.1%, slightly surpassing the predicted figure of 4%.

Job growth has slowed from December’s robust 323,000 new positions, although experts indicate that the labor market has maintained a degree of resilience at the start of 2025.

Implications of February’s Data

Joe Gaffoglio, CEO of Mutual Of America Capital Management, remarked that the February job figures indicate “signs of weakness with hiring across sectors.” He elaborated that various indicators such as hiring intentions and new job listings are showing a potential slowdown in employment growth.

Additionally, Andy Stettner, an expert in unemployment insurance at The Century Foundation, noted that cuts in the federal workforce, which are still unfolding, are not fully reflected in the latest report. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a reduction of 10,000 jobs in federal employment last month, amidst a workforce of over 2 million federal employees.

Rising Layoff Rates

Layoffs across the nation surged to their highest levels since 2020, largely driven by firings of federal workers initiated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that more than 172,000 jobs were cut last month, representing a staggering 245% increase from January and twice the number from the same month a year prior.

Expert Analysis

Lindsay Rosner, head of multi-sector fixed income investing at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, suggested that the slightly disappointing February jobs report could lead the Federal Reserve to consider reducing its benchmark interest rate. Although the Fed refrained from rate cuts in January due to persistent inflation, Rosner noted that the central bank is closely monitoring labor market trends for indications of weakness.

The next significant economic data release before the Fed’s rate decision meeting on March 19 will be the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is expected to show a slight increase of 2.9% for February, down from January’s 3% rate, as per FactSet.

Charlie Ripley, a senior investment strategist at Allianz Investment Management, considered the report a relief for the Fed, allowing them to remain inactive for upcoming meetings while they evaluate inflation implications stemming from U.S. tariff policies. Currently, only a small fraction of economists (about 10%) foresee a rate cut during the March meeting, with approximately half anticipating action in the subsequent May meeting.