The U.S. labor market surprised to the upside yet again in February, powered by continued strength in the service sectors of the economy.The leisure and hospitality sector added 105,000 jobs last month, according to the Labor Department, accounting for roughly a third of the total 311,000 jobs gain.The health care and social assistance segment was another large contributor, adding nearly 63,000 jobs.Leisure and hospitality has been consistently one of the strongest sectors as the U.S. economy has recovered from the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw bars and restaurants close in large numbers across the country. Food and drink businesses accounted for 70,000 job gains last month.However, the sector is still 2.4% below its pre-pandemic employment level, according to the Labor Department.”We’re still short,” said Steve Rick, chief economist for CUNA Mutua …
