"labor market"

The Labor Department’s latest jobs report shows that average hourly earnings have risen by 2.8 percent since last year, outpacing inflation. Economists say that will boost consumer spending.

Congratulations to the Class of 2016! They are graduating into the best job market in a decade, especially for those with degrees in business, technology or engineering.

There were only 3,000 fewer first-time claims filed for jobless benefits last week, but the slight decline is being seen as another sign that the nation’s labor market will gain some strength once Spring arrives.