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March Employment Report to Reveal Impact of Ongoing Middle East Conflict

KVIA•Friday, April 3, 2026 at 1:28 AM•CNN Newsource

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The upcoming March employment report, set to be released on Friday morning, is expected to show a modest addition of around 60,000 jobs, while the unemployment rate remains steady at 4.4%. This report follows a surprising loss of 92,000 jobs in February, largely influenced by strikes and adverse weather conditions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, is anticipated to have a limited immediate impact on employment figures, though it may lead to hiring freezes in the future. Economists are particularly watching the health sector, which lost 28,000 jobs in February, to see if it rebounds after recent strikes. Additionally, rising energy prices and supply chain issues could further affect the economy and employment landscape.

Key Details: • March employment report to be released on Friday morning. • Estimated job addition of 60,000, maintaining unemployment at 4.4%. • Ongoing Middle East conflict may impact hiring plans in the future. • Health sector job recovery is crucial to monitor after February losses.

economy employment middle-east job-market health-sector

People & Organizations

Department of LaborAndy ChallengerChallenger, Gray & ChristmasJoe BrusuelasLydia BoussourAudrey Guo

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