The US Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report moments ago showing a decrease of 92,000 jobs in non-farm payrolls in February, compared to an increase of 126,000 jobs in January. This was below expectations of a 58,000 increase.

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate rose slightly in February to 4.4%, compared to 4.3% in January, falling short of expectations. The labor force participation rate also declined to 62.0% from 62.5%.

Earnings rose 0.4% month-over-month in December, matching January’s figure, while expectations were for a 0.3% increase. Year-over-year, earnings rose 3.8%, compared to 3.7% in January.

In detail, the goods-producing sector lost 25,000 jobs, the manufacturing sector lost 12,000 jobs, and the construction sector lost 2,000 jobs. In contrast, the private services sector lost 61,000 jobs in February, with the transportation and storage sector leading the losses at 11,000 jobs, and the health care and social assistance sector losing 18,000 jobs.