America can breathe a sigh of relief. The economy is improving with the spring weather.
The U.S. added 223,000 jobs in April, a healthy pick up after disappointing gains in March. Economists projected a job gain of 220,000.
April's job gains south of the border reflect a trend the country saw last year: job growth cooling in the winter months, then gaining momentum into the spring. The strong April number also allayed concerns about a hiring slowdown.
The unemployment rate dropped to 5.4%, its lowest mark since May 2008.
Many job trends continued in April. Low gas prices are great for Americans at the pump, but they're causing energy companies to cut jobs.
About 15,000 energy workers -- oil drillers, coal miners and others -- lost their jobs in April, the worst month for the sector since May 2009.
Despite the bad energy news, other industries picked up the slack. Construction and health care each added 45,000 jobs. Business services -- marketing, accountants, consultants -- was the best performer in April, adding 62,000 jobs.
