US adds 178,000 jobs in March, unemployment dips to 4.3%
Business
The US job market picked up in March 2026, adding 178,000 jobs after a rough February.
Unemployment dipped slightly to 4.3%, thanks in part to the end of a health care strike and some seasonal boosts.
Still, things aren't all smooth: tensions between the US and Iran are making the future feel pretty uncertain for workers.
Oil surge, deportations squeeze labor market
Because of the U.S.-Iran conflict, oil prices have jumped more than 50%, pushing gas above $4 a gallon.
Fewer job openings and mass deportations are also squeezing the labor market.
The Federal Reserve is keeping interest rates steady for now. But economists say we could see more fallout in April's jobs report.