By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON, April 3 (Reuters) - U.S. job growth rebounded more than expected in March as a strike by healthcare workers ended and temperatures warmed up, but downside risks for the labor market are mounting from a war with Iran that has no clear end in sight.

The U.S. economy added 178,000 jobs in March, beating expectations and giving Donald Trump a positive economic headline even as his approval ratings decline. However, falling labor force participation,

In a surprising turn, the US labor market added 178,000 jobs in March, defying analyst expectations and reversing previous declines. This unexpected growth highlights the employment sector's strength amid economic uncertainties and external pressures,

The current level of open jobs is down measurably from three years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing. However, recent gains for nonresidential construction have not fully offset soft conditions for housing with respect to the demand for construction labor.

Average hourly earnings rose just 0.2% in March, missing expectations as analysts warn softer wage growth and rising energy prices squeeze consumers.