US jobs growth stronger than expected

The US economy added 678,000 jobs last month, far ahead of expectations, as activity continued to rebound.

The unemployment rate also edged down to 3.8%, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

Job growth was widespread, led by gains in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, health care, and construction.

The number of new jobs added was well above analysts' estimates of about 400,000 new roles.

Companies also added more jobs in January, according to revised numbers updated on Friday.