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美国最新非农就业数据远逊预期,美联储9月能降息50个基点吗?需关注哪些关键节点|国际
清华金融评论·2025-09-06 10:00

Core Viewpoint - The August 2025 non-farm payroll data in the U.S. significantly underperformed expectations, reinforcing the anticipation of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September, with some institutions predicting a potential cut of 50 basis points [2][3]. Summary by Sections Non-Farm Employment Data - The U.S. Labor Department reported that non-farm employment increased by only 22,000 in August, a substantial decline from the revised 79,000 in July and far below the market expectation of 75,000 [3]. - The unemployment rate rose by 0.1 percentage points to 4.3%, marking a four-year high [3]. Market Reactions - Following the release of the employment data, the U.S. dollar index dropped nearly 0.8%, while spot gold prices surged over 1%, reaching a new historical high of $3,594.76 per ounce [3]. - The weak employment data is attributed to several factors, including job losses in manufacturing due to tariffs, federal government layoffs, and a crisis of trust in data following the dismissal of the former Labor Statistics Bureau chief [3]. Federal Reserve's Policy Implications - The disappointing non-farm data has led to a strong signal for the Federal Reserve to consider rate cuts, with market expectations for a September cut rising to 99% and some predicting a 50 basis point reduction if subsequent inflation data supports it [3]. - The Fed's dual mandate is shifting focus towards employment, as current wage growth is slowing (with hourly wages increasing by 3.7% year-on-year) and labor participation rates are recovering, but demand remains weak, reducing the necessity for rate hikes [3]. Asset Market Impact - The weakening dollar is expected to see the dollar index fall below the critical support level of 98, potentially testing the 96.5-97 range [4]. - U.S. Treasury yields are declining, with the 2-year yield dropping by 11 basis points in a single day, leading to a flight to safe-haven assets [4]. - The stock market is experiencing divergence, with technology stocks benefiting from rate cut expectations, while manufacturing and energy sectors are under pressure [4]. - Emerging markets may find opportunities, with the Chinese yuan appreciating (breaking the 7.15 level) and Hong Kong stocks (Hang Seng Index) potentially benefiting from foreign capital inflows [4]. Economic Concerns - The weak non-farm employment data not only indicates cyclical slowdown but also points to structural risks, with manufacturing and construction sectors continuing to shrink under high interest rates and tariffs [4]. - Government layoffs and a decrease in immigrant labor are further impacting supply, particularly in the construction industry [4]. Upcoming Key Events - On September 9, the annual benchmark revision of non-farm payrolls is expected to be downwardly adjusted by 600,000 to 900,000 jobs, which may further strengthen the case for rate cuts [6]. - The August CPI data will be released on September 11; a decline in inflation would solidify the rationale for rate cuts, while a rebound could lead to market volatility [6]. - The Federal Reserve's meeting on September 16-17 will determine whether the rate cut will be 25 or 50 basis points, depending on the aforementioned data [6]. Conclusion - The recent non-farm data serves as a critical catalyst for the Federal Reserve's policy shift, with a September rate cut now almost certain. However, attention must be paid to the potential discrepancies between policy pace and market expectations, particularly regarding interest-sensitive assets and currency fluctuations [8].