
Making Sense
April jobs report: Solid growth stands out against economic uncertainty
May 2, 2025
Mike Feroli, J.P. Morgan's chief U.S. economist, dives into the solid April jobs report, noting the addition of 177,000 jobs despite economic uncertainties. He discusses how trade and tariff policies are shaping job growth, particularly in distributive services. The conversation shifts to the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cuts amidst labor market changes. Feroli highlights economic resilience, consumer sentiment, and the impacts of fiscal policies like tax cuts on growth projections and inflation concerns.
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Quick takeaways
- The April jobs report revealed a stronger-than-expected labor market with 177,000 new jobs, despite revisions in prior months.
- Concerns about a potential mild recession loom as tariff impacts may dampen job growth and consumer confidence moving forward.
Deep dives
Labor Market Resilience
The recent employment report indicated a labor market performing better than expected, with an addition of 177,000 jobs, surpassing forecasts by about 50,000. Despite downward revisions of approximately 50,000 jobs in previous months, the overall message remains positive, showing solid month-over-month performance. The labor force participation rate saw an increase, while unemployment held steady, suggesting ongoing labor market strength despite fluctuating numbers. Analysts noted that understanding the impact of immigration policy and changes in federal employment on these figures is complex, indicating a need for cautious interpretation.
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