Economy adds 217K jobs in May; jobless rate holds steady at 6.3 percent

The U.S. labor market continued to blossom in May as businesses created 217,000 net new jobs, according to government data, more evidence that the economy is shaking off the winter doldrums.

The strong report marks the fourth consecutive month that the country has added more than 200,000 jobs -- a key benchmark for a healthy economy. The national unemployment rate held steady at 6.3 percent.

The U.S. labor market continued to blossom in May as businesses created 217,000 net new jobs, according to government data, more evidence that the economy is shaking off the winter doldrums.

The strong report marks the fourth consecutive month that the country has added more than 200,000 jobs -- a key benchmark for a healthy economy. The national unemployment rate held steady at 6.3 percent.

The U.S. economy added 217,000 new jobs in May, according to government data. That's the fourth straight month that job gains topped 200,000. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.3 percent.

By Ylan Q. Mui

Economy adds 217K jobs in May; jobless rate holds steady at 6.3 percent