US employers add solid 223K jobs; rate 5.4 pct., 7-year low

WASHINGTON — U.S. employers added 223,000 jobs in April, a solid gain that suggests that the economy may be recovering after stumbling at the start of the year.

Fed's Fisher: wages rise when joblessness drops below 6.1 percent

(Reuters) - The United States could be on the verge of a worrisome surge in wages if unemployment continues its downward trend, based on research Dallas Federal Reserve Bank President Richard Fisher presented to his colleagues at the Fed's policy-setting meeting this week.

Home and Jobs Data Suggests Momentum

WASHINGTON — Sales of existing homes in the United States rose in July to a 10-month high, and the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, signaling strength in the economy early in the third quarter.

U.S. factory, jobs data show underlying strength in economy

(Reuters) - U.S. factory activity held near a 2-1/2-year high in December and the number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits fell again last week, suggesting the economy was poised for stronger growth in 2014.

US businesses boost hiring despite the shutdown

WASHINGTON: Employers added a surprisingly strong 204,000 jobs in October despite the 16-day government shutdown, the Labor Department said, suggesting the US economy may be sturdier than many had assumed.

US retail sales edge up 0.1 percent in April

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans increased their spending in April at retail businesses, buying more cars and clothes after cutting purchases sharply in March.

Federal Reserve officials at odds on jobs view

SANTA BARBARA, California (Reuters) - The economy will likely grow at a moderate pace, inflation will stay low, and unemployment will fall, three top U.S. Federal Reserve officials on Thursday said in remarks prepared for delivery to an economic outlook summit.

Global economy week ahead: Looking for takeoff in US jobs

WASHINGTON: Sorting out trends in the US labor market is tricky business these days. There is plenty of evidence to support the view that unemployment is stalled at 8.3 percent for much of the year, and a case to argue that job growth is poised for takeoff.