United States business did manage to create some new jobs last month, but not enough to keep up with a growing population. It could be a sign that the recent upturn in the labour market is

faltering

. A survey of industrial values in China confirmed earlier evidence that the sector is slowing. Europe's problems are hardly news, but further market pressure on Spanish government debt added to the gloom. At the same time, interest rates on the debts of the United States and Germany fell. They are seen as safe investments so that fall in rates is a sign of financial market nerves.

Voters in the Irish Republic have backed a European treaty drawn up in response to the eurozone crisis. Just over 60% of those voting approved the agreement. Here's Mark Simpson.

It was the result most politicians in Ireland and Europe desperately wanted - an Irish yes to the new fiscal treaty. Ireland's Prime Minister Enda Kenny called it a vote for hope.

"The ratification of this stability treaty would also mean that Ireland and other eurozone countries can now put in place good

housekeeping

rules aimed at ensuring that responsible budgeting becomes the norm throughout Europe."

The treaty imposes strict new deficit limits, but it also guarantees access to the new EU rescue fund - the European Stability Mechanism.

World News from the BBC

A judge in the American state of Florida has suspended the bail granted to a neighbourhood watch volunteer who's been charged with killing an unarmed black teenager, Trayvon Martin. The judge said the accused, George Zimmerman, had deceived the court by saying he had no money when in fact he had access to more than $100,000. He has pleaded not guilty to murder and says he acted in self-defence.