The U.S. economy added 227,000 jobs in January, the biggest increase in four months of solid gains. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had forecast 197,000 new jobs, on average. The unemployment rate inched up from 4.7 percent to 4.8 percent as more people entered the workforce. Average wages rose by 0.1 percent to $26 an hour, resulting in a slightly lower than expected 2.5 percent increase over 12 months, the weakest such gains since August. The first monthly jobs report since President Trump took office showed that his presidency is beginning with a solid and improving employment market. Trump has promised to create another 25 million jobs over the coming decade.
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