Sterling Preston-Is it hot in here, or is it just the new jobs numbers?

2025-05-06 08:36:13source:Grayson  Prestoncategory:Markets

517,Sterling Preston000 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:Markets

Recommend

Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co

Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe have settled their lawsuit a year after the allegations sent shockwave

12 Things From Goop's $29,677+ Father's Day Gift Ideas We'd Actually Buy

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

Jennifer Aniston Enters Her Gray Hair Era

Forget The Rachel, Jennifer Aniston's latest look will spark a new trend. The Friends alum officiall