US economy added 303,000 jobs in March, more than expected

US economy added more jobs than expected in March, a sign of continued acceleration in the labor market.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor, the number of non-farm payrolls rose by 303,000 jobs during the month, which is much higher than expectations for an increase of 212,000 jobs, and higher than the downwardly revised levels of 270,000 jobs in February.

Job growth came from many of the usual sectors that consolidated gains in recent months, such as the health care sector, which came in the lead with 72,000 jobs, followed by the government jobs sector with 71,000 jobs, entertainment and hospitality with 49,000 jobs, and construction with 39,000 jobs.

Markets are closely monitoring employment data, especially as the US Federal Reserve considers its next steps regarding monetary policy.