U.S. economy added 187,000 jobs in August, more than was expected

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. economy added 187,000 jobs in August, exceeding economists’ expectations of around 170,000 jobs. The unemployment rate remained unchanged from July at 3.9 percent, which is near the lowest level in decades. Job gains occurred in several industries, including professional and business services, healthcare, and transportation and warehousing. Wages rose 0.4 percent in August and are up 2.9 percent over the past year.