US job growth accelerates to fastest pace in 15 months in March

Column chart titled 'Monthly change in US jobs'

Jobless claims increase 178,000 in March Unemployment rate drops to 4.3% from 4.4% amid drop in participation rate The average work week shortens to 34.2 hours from 34.3 hours WASHINGTON, April 3 (Reuters) – U.S. job growth picked up sharply in March as a health care workers’ strike ended and temperatures rose, but labor market … Read more

US job growth is likely to pick up in March, as war casts a shadow over the labor market

US job growth is likely to pick up in March, as war casts a shadow over the labor market

Nonfarm payrolls are forecast to increase 60,000 in March Economists say it will take time for the oil price hike to affect the labor market The unemployment rate is expected to remain steady at 4.4% WASHINGTON, April 3 (Reuters) – U.S. job growth may have picked up in March as a health workers’ strike ended … Read more

The US labor market remains stable; trade deficit increases in February

Trade balance

Weekly jobless claims fall 9,000 to 202,000 Continuing claims add 25,000 to 1.841 million The trade deficit widened by 4.9% to $57.3 billion in February WASHINGTON, April 2 (Reuters) – New claims for U.S. jobless benefits fell sharply last week to a record low, suggesting labor market conditions remained calm in March, even as economists … Read more

Trump says the US has too much jet fuel for Europe, the market disagrees

Two lines showing monthly US jet production and demand.

US jet fuel supplies are well short of the Hormuz supply gap The US is a major consumer of jet fuel and often requires imports Higher imports could raise US jet fuel prices NEW YORK, April 1 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump this week told countries that are struggling to get jet fuel because of … Read more

US retail sales strong in February; an increase in the price of petrol will affect spending

Column chart titled 'Monthly change in US retail sales'

Retail sales increased by 0.6% in February Basic sales earn 0.5%; a large tax refund guarantees spending Production increases in March, but the supply chain continues to deteriorate WASHINGTON, April 1 (Reuters) – U.S. retail prices rose by the most in seven months in February as car prices rose and temperatures soared, but rising gasoline … Read more

Canada reports moderate economic growth in January

Canada reports moderate economic growth in January

Canada’s economy grew by 0.1% month-on-month in January The preliminary estimate shows growth in February to be around 0.2% Growth in January was led by manufacturing industries Service industries stand out as real estate contractors OTTAWA, March 31 (Reuters) – Canada’s economy grew modestly in January, with monthly output rising slightly as strength in many … Read more

The next test of the stock market: rising war costs

The next test of the stock market: rising war costs

Inflation fears are driving bonds now, financial fears are likely to follow High security costs, chargebacks and the potential impact of shortages Rising inflation and environmental risks pose future threats March 31 (Reuters) – Inflation risks have pushed Treasury yields higher since the US-Iran conflict fueled energy prices. Now another threat to the health of … Read more

The uncertainty of the Iran war is disrupting business in the world’s largest markets

The uncertainty of the Iran war is disrupting business in the world's largest markets

Market makers are reluctant to take risks as the Middle East war rages Liquidity crunch increases market volatility, wild price swings Increasingly, merchants are struggling to find willing customers LONDON/NEW YORK/SINGAPORE, March 30 (Reuters) – The Iran war has sent jitters across financial markets, leaving some investors and market makers reluctant to take risks, making … Read more

Exclusive: US Treasury to talk with insurance regulators about private mortgage lenders, sources say

Exclusive: US Treasury to talk with insurance regulators about private mortgage lenders, sources say

1 in 2 US dollar notes are seen in this illustration taken March 24, 2026. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration [1/2]US dollar bills are seen in this illustration taken on March 24, 2026. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration Purchase Licensing. Rightsopens a new tab The US Treasury Department plans to meet with insurance regulators, seeking information on benefits, funding The talks … Read more

Stocks slide in Asia, Brent crude heads for monthly gains

Stocks slide in Asia, Brent crude heads for monthly gains

Nikkei futures slide, S&P futures widen in fall Brent rose 60% in March, the largest monthly increase Gulf peace talks are uncertain as the US builds up troops SYDNEY, March 30 (Reuters) – Stock markets tumbled in Asia on Monday as investors watched for a prolonged Gulf conflict that has already pushed oil prices to … Read more