Cover of the US Market Briefing for March 2026

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US Market Briefing: March 2026

Content Insights

  • Payroll employment fell by 92,000 in February
  • Unemployment rose to 4.4%, while participation declined to 62.0%
  • Average hourly earnings increased 0.4% month-on-month and 3.8% year-on-year
February payrolls fall and unemployment rises, while developments in the Middle East add uncertainty to cautious US hiring

The March 2026 US Market Briefing explores February’s payroll decline and the pressures on a low-hire, low-fire labour market as events in the Middle East added uncertainty. Read the full report below.

Open or download the full US Market Briefing for March 2026 (PDF)