Group 1 - The U.S. private sector employment market has shown its first negative growth signal in over two years, primarily concentrated in the services sector, raising concerns about the pace of labor market slowdown [1] - The ADP report indicates that private sector employment increased by only 29,000 in May, followed by a decrease of 33,000 in June, which was unexpected by economists [1] - The services sector experienced a significant job loss of 66,000 in June, particularly in professional and business services, healthcare, and education [4] Group 2 - Following the ADP data release, U.S. Treasury yields fell, stock index futures declined, and the dollar's gains narrowed, leading traders to increase bets on at least two rate cuts by the Federal Reserve by the end of 2025 [2] - The probability of a 25 basis point rate cut in July rose from 20.7% to 24.3% after the ADP data was published [2] - The average employment growth rate over the three months ending in May has slowed to 18,700, the lowest level since the onset of the pandemic [4] Group 3 - Employment numbers decreased by 24,000 in the Midwest and 20,000 in the West, while only the South saw a net increase [4] - Large enterprises with over 500 employees added 30,000 jobs, while small businesses with fewer than 20 employees saw a net loss of 29,000 jobs [4] - The proportion of consumers who believe "job opportunities are plentiful" fell to its lowest point in over four years in June [4]

Core Insights - The average wage rate in Hong Kong increased by 3.5% year-on-year in March 2025, with approximately 62% of companies reporting wage increases, while 34% experienced declines [1][2] - After adjusting for inflation, the real average wage rate rose by 1.6% in March 2025 [1][2] - The nominal average salary index for employed individuals increased by 3.2% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, with a real increase of 1.6% after accounting for inflation [1][2] Industry Changes - All selected industry categories recorded year-on-year increases in nominal wage indices ranging from 3.1% to 4.1% in March 2025 [2] - Real wage indices across all selected industries also saw year-on-year increases, varying from 1.1% to 2.1% in March 2025 [2] - The nominal average salary index for all selected industries in the first quarter of 2025 increased between 2.0% and 3.9% year-on-year, while real average salary indices rose between 0.4% and 2.3% [2] Wage Index Data - The nominal wage index for the manufacturing sector was +3.2% in March 2025, with a real increase of +1.2% [3] - The wholesale and retail trade sector recorded a nominal increase of +3.1% and a real increase of +1.1% [3] - The transportation sector saw a nominal increase of +3.5% and a real increase of +1.5% [3] - The accommodation and food services sector had a nominal increase of +3.8% and a real increase of +1.8% [3] - The financial and insurance activities sector recorded a nominal increase of +4.0% and a real increase of +2.0% [3] - The real wage index for professional and business services was +2.1% with a nominal increase of +4.1% [3] - The personal services sector experienced a nominal increase of +3.9% and a real increase of +1.9% [3]