The Conference Board’s US employment trends index rose in April to a reading of 128.28 from March’s downwardly revised reading of 126.42. The April reading is up 1.4% from the same month a year ago.  

“Despite the April bounce back in the employment trends index, its growth has slowed in recent months, suggesting that job growth will also slow,” said Gad Levanon, chief economist, North America, at The Conference Board. “Employers have become more cautious as economic growth remains moderate and profits decline. Looking ahead, we anticipate job growth will remain below 200,000 a month.”

April’s increase in the economic trends index was driven by positive contributions from all eight components. The largest positive contributor was the percentage of firms with positions not able to fill right now.

The US Department of Labor on Friday reported the US added 160,000 jobs in April and gained 9,300 temp jobs.