The first national jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing 2017 numbers was released, with 227,000 jobs gained in January. Large job gains occurred in retail trade, construction and financial activities.

Employment in healthcare also continued to trend up in January with 18,000 jobs added, following a gain of 41,000 in December. The industry has added 374,000 jobs over the past 12 months. Ambulatory care settings added 11,000 jobs, hospitals added 4,200 jobs and nursing and residential care facilities added 3,100 jobs. Home healthcare services added 4,500 jobs in January.

The overall unemployment rate ticked up slightly from 4.7 percent in December to 4.8 percent to start 2017.