U.S. employers added 172,000 jobs in May, beating forecasts as labor market shows resilience amid Iran war costs
By
Paul Wiseman
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Summary
The U.S. job market showed surprising strength in May, with employers adding 172,000 jobs — roughly double what forecasters expected. The unemployment rate remained at a low 4.3%. This resilience comes despite economic pressures from the Iran war, including high energy prices and economic uncertainty. Job growth was slightly down from a revised 179,000 in April, but hiring has bounced back from a weak 2025.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledEmployers added 172,000 jobs in May – roughly double what forecasters had expected
The unemployment rate remained at a low 4.3%
Hiring has bounced back this year from a miserable 2025, showing resilience in the face of economic uncertainty and painfully high energy prices
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