The Indicator from Planet Money Jobs numbers, immigrants in healthcare, and ... Jesus Christ?
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Feb 13, 2026 A quick tour of the latest jobs report and surprising sector shifts. A deep look at how immigrant caregivers might cut elderly mortality. A quirky dive into prediction markets placing odds on the return of Jesus Christ.
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Jobs Report Suggests Stabilizing Labor Market
- The January jobs report showed 130,000 jobs added and unemployment falling to 4.3%, suggesting stabilization after weak 2025 hiring.
- Large downward revisions meant 2025 job growth was much lower than first reported, highlighting volatility in monthly estimates.
Healthcare Powering Recent Hiring
- Healthcare accounted for more than half of January's job gains, signaling sector-specific strength.
- That concentration matters because broader job-market indicators like job postings and demographic trends still show clouds.
Immigration Could Reduce Elder Mortality
- A working paper estimates that a 25% net increase in immigration could save about 5,000 elderly lives annually by filling healthcare roles.
- Immigrant workers already make up ~18% of U.S. healthcare and concentrate in nursing homes and home health care.