Rubypoint:Is it hot in here, or is it just the new jobs numbers?

2025-05-03 12:08:36source:Desmond Prestoncategory:Invest

517,Rubypoint000 jobs were added to the U.S. economy in January, nearly double the 260,000 jobs created the month before. Unemployment is also at its lowest rate in more than 50 years, at 3.4%. So why are there so many jobs when interest rates are rising and there's a lot of talk about a possible recession?

One idea being talked about is labor hoarding, where employers hold onto more staff than they need. That's because the costs of rehiring are so high.

We find that the answer is more complex — and maybe a little more optimistic as well.

Music by Drop Electric. Find us: Twitter / Facebook / Newsletter.

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PocketCasts and NPR One.

For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

More:Invest

Recommend

Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates

Get ready for phase two.Apple's latest operating system update is available today for iPhone, iPad,

These Headphone Deals From Amazon's Big Spring Sale will be Music to Your Ears

We independently selected these products because we love them, and we think you might like them at t

Rihanna Is a Good Girl Gone Blonde With Epic Pixie Cut Hair Transformation

Rihanna just debuted a new...hairstyle.The 36-year-old showcased her fresh, chic look on a day out i