Employment growth moderates in 2017, continuing a lengthy expansionary period

The employment gains in 2017 occurred while many economic indicators of the U.S. economy signaled strength. However, there were still some headwinds resulting from a tight labor market and two major hurricanes. The slight easing of job growth also occurred in the fourth year of the current employment expansion, which is now longer than the expansion from January 2005 to January 2008.1 This article provides an overview of these labor market developments.