U.S. job growth slowed slightly in April, but remained solid

The U.S. economy continued to add jobs at a steady pace in April, although the pace of job growth slowed slightly in a month marked by changes in tariff announcements and market turmoil. The U.S. Labor Department reported on Friday that the U.S. added 177,000 jobs in April, up from an expected 130,000 and down from an increase of 185,000 in March. Federal government layoffs weighed on payrolls, which fell by 9,000 in April. James Knightley, economist at ING financialmarekt, said there is still a long lead time to see widespread layoffs, but we will have to prepare for a significantly weaker payroll and face the threat of a significant slowdown in hiring.