Morning Business Report: U.S. job growth slows, internships drop as Lowe’s invests in skilled trades

U.S. job growth has slowed sharply over the past year, making it harder for young Americans to land their first jobs after college.

(LILAMAX)- U.S. job growth has slowed sharply over the past year, making it harder for young Americans to land their first jobs after college—or even secure internships, often a key first step in building a career.

Data tracked by Indeed shows internship postings last year dropped compared to each of the previous five years, falling slightly below 2019 levels. Pharmacy led the way with 15.5% of postings, followed by marketing at 7.7% and civil engineering at 5.3%.

Meanwhile, Lowe’s is investing heavily in skilled labor, committing $250 million over the next decade to recruit and train 250,000 tradespeople. The initiative focuses on careers like plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, 47% of skilled trades workers now earn more than the median college graduate—without the burden of student loan interest.

On Wall Street, stocks surged after tensions between the U.S. and Iran eased, helping push oil prices and interest rates lower. Activity at the New York Stock Exchange reflected renewed investor optimism.

A new survey from NerdWallet finds 55% of Americans plan to significantly cut back on subscriptions in 2026 to save money, with parents especially likely to cancel services. Experts suggest pausing all subscriptions temporarily to determine which ones are truly necessary.

And with the tax filing deadline approaching, officials at H&R Block say many Americans may feel more overwhelmed than usual due to several changes this year—including no tax on tips, a higher standard deduction for those 65 and older, and the ability to write off some car loan interest.