Economy Adds 243,000 Jobs; Unemployment Falls to 8.3%

[Stocks-to-Watch]

The U.S. economy added 243,000 jobs in January, well ahead of consensus expectations for 125,000. The unemployment rate fell to 8.3% from 8.5%. Futures are jumping on the news, with the Dow up about 125 points after trading just about flat before the report was released.

The private sector added 257,000 jobs, and 14,000 jobs were lost in the public sector.



Original Article Source by Barrons.com