After losing 92,000 jobs in February due to winter storms and a major healthcare strike, the U.S. jobs market made a robust recovery in March. Gaining 178,000 jobs in March, this jobs report far exceeded expectations. While economists expected an additional 70,000 jobs, the U.S. added the most jobs in a month since December 2024.
The unemployment rate for women also decreased slightly to 4.0% from 4.1% in February. Part of this is due to a lower labor force participation rate, as some women left the labor force in March. This is likely temporary, as women tend to leave the labor force in order to care for children during school breaks such as spring break.
Despite strong growth in March, consumer sentiment has dropped to 53.3 from 56.6 in February. This regular metric from the University of Michigan is an index based on a survey of how consumers view their current financial positions, how they view the country’s financial position, and how they perceive the future. The survey for March at 53.3 is the lowest so far in 2025.
Consumers often base their economic outlook on current events, so rising gas prices and the war in Iran may contribute to uncertainty about the country’s economic outlook. However, as the jobs market continues to strengthen, strong tax policy takes effect, and the Trump administration continues to fight for deregulation, the U.S. economy will continue to grow. This is great news for the American consumer because it means more opportunities to prosper.
While bad policies have led to unaffordability in many areas of the economy, we are seeing deregulation and smart tax policy making a difference. There is a red-state blue-state divide in the affordable areas of the states, partly due to low taxes in red states, but nationwide deregulation will also help lower costs and give a brighter outlook for our economic future.
With policies like the proposed 401K rule, an updated independent contractor rule, and portable benefits passing in various states, 2026 has seen high potential for strong economic growth that lasts and provides opportunities for those wanting to build wealth rather than continue to struggle with affordability.
Although there is more work to be done to ensure strong economic growth, March has already shown that the jobs market is resilient. If Americans can work, then we can build wealth. There is already better tax policy in place, putting more income back into taxpayers’ wallets. Deregulation of the labor market must continue.