Follow along with Investopedia's live coverage of Friday's employment situation report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Earlier data had pointed to a turnaround for the labor market.

A weaker-than-expected report for February showed a decline of 92,000 jobs, and a rise in the unemployment rate to 4.4 percent.

The job market showed further signs of weakness last month as employers cut 92,000 jobs. The unemployment rate inched up to 4.4%, from 4.3% in January.

Job cuts at a Whirlpool factory in Iowa underscore the challenges in reviving American manufacturing. "Every day, workers' jobs are still in jeopardy," a union official said.

U.S. Sheds 92,000 Jobs. Why the Report Was So Weak. Follow live news and analysis after a surprise drop in U.S. payrolls in February.

Stock markets continue to be dominated by developments in the Middle East as the major gauges are on track for a week of losses.

The weaker-than-expected numbers quickly became a source of tension between the two parties ahead of the midterm elections.