Snapshot: Jobs Progress

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEX: ^DJI) had a hard day today, plunging after the opening bell on news of lower-than-expected job growth for the previous month. Only 120,000 jobs were created in March -- far below the expected 200,000, and much less than in each of the preceding three months. However, the unemployment rate continued downward from 8.3% to 8.2%. Let's take a look at both numbers over the last two years.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Though the unemployment number continues to fall, it's possible that coming restrictions on government spending may tamper with or even reverse that downward trend. However, an expanding economy brings with it the hope that job creation could take off.

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At the time thisarticle was published Fool.com graphics/photo/art editor Dari FitzGerald doesn't own shares of any companies mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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