Employment Data Summary - In May, the U.S. non-farm payrolls increased by 139,000, continuing a downward trend from previous months[2] - The combined downward revision for March and April was 95,000, indicating a potential overestimation of current employment levels[2][5] - The unemployment rate remained stable at 4.2%, while the labor force participation rate decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 62.4%[2][10] Sector Analysis - Job growth in May was primarily driven by the service sector, which added 145,000 jobs, while government employment decreased by 22,000[8] - Manufacturing jobs saw a decline of 13,000, influenced by tariff policies[2][8] - The federal government has reduced employment by 59,000 since January, reflecting ongoing layoffs[5][8] Wage and Hour Trends - Average hourly earnings increased by 0.4% month-over-month, maintaining a year-over-year growth rate of 3.9%[13] - The average workweek remained steady at 34.3 hours, suggesting stable wage growth may support consumer spending[13] Market Expectations - Following the release of the May non-farm data, market expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts have slightly adjusted to two potential cuts within the year, with the earliest possible in September[21] - Despite the overall stability in unemployment rates, the declining labor force participation and continuous downward revisions in employment data suggest a cooling job market[21] Risks - Potential risks include unexpected inflation increases, tighter monetary policy from the Federal Reserve, and a downturn in the U.S. economy[25][26]

Employment Data - In May 2025, the U.S. added 139,000 non-farm jobs, exceeding the market expectation of 130,000 jobs and slightly down from the revised previous value of 147,000 jobs[1][13][15] - The unemployment rate remained stable at 4.2%, matching both the forecast and the previous month's rate[1][13][15] - Average hourly earnings increased by 3.9% year-on-year, surpassing the expected 3.7% and matching the previous value[1][13][15] Sector Performance - The leisure and hospitality sector saw a significant increase, adding 48,000 jobs, up from 29,000 in the previous month, contributing to the stability of the overall employment data[2][24] - Manufacturing jobs decreased by 5,000, a decline from the previous increase of 14,000, indicating pressure from tariff disruptions[3][23] - Financial activities added 13,000 jobs, up from 3,000 previously, showing a recovery in this sector[3][24] Labor Market Dynamics - The labor force participation rate fell by 0.2 percentage points to 62.4%, with notable declines in youth employment willingness[4][29] - The U3 unemployment rate remained at 4.2%, with a slight increase of 71,000 in the number of unemployed individuals[4][35] - The U6 unemployment rate, which includes those working part-time for economic reasons, held steady at 7.8%[4][35] Federal Reserve Outlook - The robust non-farm data reinforces the Federal Reserve's wait-and-see approach, with a near 100% probability that interest rates will remain unchanged in June 2025[5][19] - Market expectations indicate two rate cuts in 2025, with the first anticipated in September, having a probability of approximately 50%[5][19][22]

Employment Data - In May 2025, the U.S. added 139,000 non-farm jobs, exceeding the market expectation of 130,000 jobs and slightly down from the revised previous value of 147,000 jobs[1][15] - The unemployment rate remained stable at 4.2%, matching both the forecast and the previous month's rate[1][15] - Average hourly earnings increased by 3.9% year-on-year, surpassing the expected 3.7% and matching the previous value after revision[1][15] Sector Performance - The leisure and hospitality sector saw a significant increase, adding 48,000 jobs in May, up from 29,000 in the previous month, contributing to the overall employment stability[2][24] - Manufacturing jobs decreased by 5,000, contrasting with a previous increase of 14,000, indicating pressure from tariff disruptions[3][23] - Financial activities added 13,000 jobs, up from 3,000 in the previous month, showing a recovery in this sector[3][24] Labor Market Dynamics - The labor force participation rate fell by 0.2 percentage points to 62.4%, with notable declines in youth employment willingness[4][29] - The U3 unemployment rate remained at 4.2%, with a slight increase of 71,000 in the number of unemployed individuals[4][35] - The U6 unemployment rate, which includes those working part-time for economic reasons, held steady at 7.8%[4][35] Federal Reserve Outlook - The robust non-farm data reinforces the Federal Reserve's wait-and-see approach, with a near 100% probability that interest rates will remain unchanged in June 2025[5][19] - Market expectations indicate two potential rate cuts in 2025, with the first anticipated in September, having a probability of approximately 50%[5][19]

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming US May non-farm payroll report is anticipated to reveal significant cooling in the labor market, as indicated by a series of concerning leading indicators, particularly the disappointing ADP employment data [1][3]. Employment Data - The ADP report for May showed only 37,000 new jobs added, far below the expected 114,000, marking the lowest figure since March 2023 and the largest deviation from expectations in nearly three years [1][3]. - Job losses were noted in the goods-producing sector, with a decrease of 2,000 positions, while the service sector saw a modest increase of 36,000 jobs, primarily driven by leisure and hospitality (+38,000) and finance (+20,000) [3]. - Small businesses (fewer than 50 employees) were particularly affected, losing 13,000 jobs, reflecting the direct impact of macroeconomic policy uncertainty on these vulnerable entities [3]. Economic Indicators - Initial jobless claims rose to 247,000, exceeding expectations and reaching an eight-month high, with the four-week moving average also at its highest since November 2021, suggesting prolonged unemployment durations [4]. - The ISM non-manufacturing PMI unexpectedly fell to 49.9 in May, indicating contraction in business activity for the first time since mid-2022, attributed to policy uncertainties affecting order delays [4]. Policy Uncertainty - Current policy uncertainties, especially regarding tariffs, are seen as a core factor contributing to the unclear economic outlook, with potential cost increases looming if negotiations fail [5]. - The upcoming non-farm payroll report is crucial for understanding structural changes in employment, particularly in the goods-producing sector, small businesses, and temporary jobs [5]. Market Reactions - Market consensus for new non-farm jobs has dropped to 130,000 from a previous 177,000, with some institutions predicting as low as 125,000 [7]. - The unemployment rate is expected to remain at 4.2%, but a rise to 4.3% or higher could signal recession risks [7]. - Average hourly wage growth is projected to slightly increase to 0.3%, raising concerns about a potential wage-inflation spiral due to high labor costs and declining productivity [7]. Short-term Volatility - The release of employment data is likely to cause significant volatility in stock, bond, and currency markets, similar to the reactions following the ADP data release [8]. - Current interest rate futures reflect expectations of at least two rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year, with increased bets on a September rate cut if unemployment rises significantly [8].

Group 1 - The core point of the article highlights a significant decline in U.S. employment data for May, with only 37,000 new jobs added in the private sector, far below the expected 114,000 and previous month's 62,000 [1][3] - The ADP report indicates a loss of momentum in hiring, with employers adopting a cautious approach to recruitment and wage increases [1][3] - Economic uncertainty, including slowing growth and unresolved inflation issues, is causing businesses to hesitate in hiring and expanding investments [3][5] Group 2 - Certain sectors, such as leisure and hospitality, and financial activities, show slight growth, but overall hiring trends in education, healthcare, business services, manufacturing, and transportation are stagnant or declining [5] - Wage growth is stagnating, with employees who switch jobs seeing a 7% increase in salary, while those who remain in their positions only see a 4.5% increase, indicating a trend where loyalty may not be rewarded [5][7] - The market is anxiously awaiting the upcoming non-farm payroll data, as poor results could pressure the Federal Reserve to consider interest rate cuts [5][7] Group 3 - The article raises questions about the effectiveness of potential interest rate cuts in stimulating economic growth, especially if companies are already cutting back on spending [7] - The current economic environment is characterized by fragility and uncertainty, necessitating careful management by the Federal Reserve [7] - The employment data reflects broader economic concerns, with implications for consumer finances, employment, mortgage rates, and retirement benefits [7]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint indicates that despite pressures on the US economy, better-than-expected non-farm payroll data has alleviated concerns about a recession, suggesting that the Federal Reserve may adopt a more patient approach [1][3][6] - In April 2025, the US added 177,000 non-farm jobs, surpassing the expected 130,000, while the unemployment rate remained stable at 4.2%, aligning with expectations [2][3] - The labor force participation rate increased to 62.6%, up from the previous 62.5%, indicating a rise in participation among older age groups [5] Group 2 - Employment in the transportation and warehousing sector saw a significant rebound, adding 29,000 jobs in April, compared to just 3,000 in March, which partially offset the negative impact of tariffs on employment data [4] - Retail and leisure/hospitality sectors experienced job losses, with retail employment decreasing by 2,000 and leisure/hospitality adding only 24,000 jobs, both significantly lower than previous values [4] - The U6 unemployment rate, which includes those working part-time for economic reasons, improved to 7.8%, down from 7.9% in the previous month, indicating better conditions in the part-time job market [5]

Employment Data Summary - In April 2025, the U.S. added 177,000 non-farm jobs, exceeding the market expectation of 130,000 but lower than the revised previous value of 185,000[1] - The unemployment rate remained stable at 4.2%, matching both the forecast and the previous month's figure[1] - Average hourly earnings increased by 3.8% year-on-year, in line with the previous value but slightly below the expected 3.9%[1] Sector Performance - The transportation and warehousing sector saw a significant rebound, adding 29,000 jobs in April, up from just 3,000 in March, partially offsetting job losses in other sectors[3] - Retail and leisure/hospitality sectors experienced job declines, with retail jobs decreasing by 2,000 and leisure/hospitality jobs increasing by only 24,000, both significantly lower than previous values[3][17] Labor Market Dynamics - The labor force participation rate rose to 62.6%, up from 62.5% in the previous month, indicating increased engagement from older age groups[4] - The number of unemployed individuals increased by 82,000, while the employed population rose by 436,000, contributing to the stable unemployment rate[4][32] Economic Outlook - Despite the economic pressures, the better-than-expected non-farm data has alleviated some recession fears, suggesting the Federal Reserve may adopt a more patient approach[5] - Following the non-farm data release, the 10-year Treasury yield rose by 8 basis points to 4.33%, with market expectations for a potential rate cut in July 2025 at 55.2% probability[5][45] Risks and Considerations - Risks include potential unexpected downturns in the U.S. economy, escalating international trade tensions, and geopolitical developments that could impact economic stability[6]

Core Viewpoint - The March 2025 non-farm payroll data in the U.S. exceeded expectations, with healthcare services and leisure hospitality being the main contributors. The slight increase in the unemployment rate is primarily due to a rise in labor force participation, indicating a healthy job market overall, although there are signs of marginal weakening [1][3][4]. Summary by Sections Employment Data - In March 2025, the U.S. added 228,000 non-farm jobs, surpassing the expected 140,000 and the revised previous value of 117,000. The unemployment rate was 4.2%, slightly above the expected 4.1% and the previous 4.1%. Year-on-year wage growth was 3.8%, below expectations and the previous value of 4%, while month-on-month growth was 0.3%, consistent with expectations and higher than the revised previous value of 0.2% [2][3]. Sector Contributions - The private sector added 209,000 jobs, exceeding the market expectation of 135,000 and the revised previous value of 116,000. Job gains were seen across various sectors, with the goods-producing sector adding 12,000 jobs and the service sector adding 197,000 jobs. Notably, education and healthcare services contributed 77,800 jobs, while leisure and hospitality added 43,000 jobs [3][4]. Labor Force Participation - The labor force participation rate in March was 62.5%, higher than the previous and expected values of 62.4%. The slight increase in the unemployment rate was attributed to this rise in participation, with the unemployment rate moving from 4.139% in February to 4.152% in March [4][5]. Federal Reserve's Stance - The March employment data did not raise concerns for the Federal Reserve, which prioritized inflation risks over economic growth pressures. Powell's statements indicated no intention for risk management-style rate cuts similar to those in 2019, reflecting a cautious approach to monetary policy amid rising inflation concerns [6][7]. Market Implications - The significant increase in non-farm payrolls and the slight rise in unemployment are viewed as a "calm before the storm" regarding tariff impacts. The market consensus suggests that the current employment data may not provide sufficient safety margins due to the unexpected breadth and depth of Trump's tariff increases, which could lead to economic adjustments [7][8]. Future Outlook - In the absence of a "Trump Put," market sentiment is expected to remain subdued, continuing to adjust in a "stagflation-like environment." The Federal Reserve's focus on inflation risks may hinder any immediate easing measures, despite favorable employment data [8][9].