American employers added a strong 292,000 jobs in December, suggesting the US economy may defy global trends and expand at solid pace this year

WASHINGTON — American employers added a robust 292,000 jobs in December, suggesting that the U.S. economy is so far defying global weakness and growing solidly.

The strong figures underscore the resilience of the United States at a time of financial turmoil stemming from China's slowing economy and plummeting stock market. Most economists expect U.S. consumer spending to continue to offset overseas weakness, though many foresee only modest U.S. growth.

In its monthly jobs report Friday, the Labor Department said the unemployment rate remained 5 percent in December for a third straight month. More Americans started looking for jobs and succeeded in finding them.

http://www.startribune.com/us-adds-strong-292k-jobs-last-month-jobless-rate-at-5-pct/364633431/