Employment Data - In July, the U.S. non-farm payrolls increased by 73,000, significantly below the expected 106,000 and the previous value of 14,000[3] - The unemployment rate slightly rose to 4.2%, with the previous value at 4.1% and the forecast at 4.3%[3] - The Labor Department revised the non-farm employment data for May and June, with May's initial value of 139,000 adjusted down to 19,000 and June's from 147,000 to 14,000, totaling a downward revision of 253,000[3] Labor Market Trends - The average monthly job growth over the past three months is now only 35,000, a sharp decline from the first quarter's average of 111,000, indicating a potential overestimation of previous employment strength[3] - The labor force participation rate decreased to 62.2%, contributing to the stability of the unemployment rate despite job losses[10] - The number of foreign-born workers decreased by 1.241 million from January to July, while the domestic-born workforce increased by 3.073 million, affecting overall labor supply[12] Market Reactions and Federal Reserve Implications - Following the employment data release, U.S. stock markets fell, bond yields declined, and the dollar weakened, reflecting heightened market risk aversion[5] - The disappointing employment figures have led to increased market expectations for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates by 25 basis points in September and October[5] - Key factors for the Fed's decision will include inflation data for July and August and the potential impact of political pressures from the Trump administration[15]

Employment Data Summary - In July 2025, the U.S. added 73,000 non-farm jobs, significantly below the expected 110,000[6] - The unemployment rate rose to 4.2%, up from 4.1% in June 2025[6] - The labor force participation rate decreased to 62.2%, down from 62.3%[6] Employment Sector Analysis - The service sector contributed the most to job growth, adding 96,000 jobs, primarily in education and healthcare[6] - The leisure and hospitality sector saw a minimal increase of 5,000 jobs, while professional and business services experienced a decline of 14,000 jobs[8] - Goods-producing industries continued to struggle, with a loss of 13,000 jobs, marking three consecutive months of decline[8] Data Revisions and Trends - Job data for May and June were significantly revised downwards, with May's figures adjusted from 144,000 to 19,000 and June's from 147,000 to 14,000, totaling a downward revision of 258,000 jobs[6] - The three-month moving average for new jobs has fallen to 35,000, the lowest level since the pandemic began in 2020[6] Market Implications - Following the disappointing employment data, the market reacted negatively, but this is viewed as a short-term trend[6] - The probability of a 25 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September 2025 is now approximately 80%[6] - By the end of 2025, the market is pricing in a total rate cut of about 60 basis points[6] Risks and Considerations - There are risks of persistent discrepancies in employment data expectations[3] - The potential for the U.S. economy to enter a recession remains a concern[3] - There is also a risk of inflation rising above expectations[3]

Employment Data - In June, the U.S. non-farm payrolls increased by 147,000, significantly exceeding the expected 106,000[3] - The unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, better than the anticipated 4.3%[3] - The labor force participation rate decreased to 62.3%, contributing to the decline in the unemployment rate[3] Employment Sector Performance - Government employment was the primary driver of the high job growth in June, adding 73,000 jobs compared to the previous month's 7,000[4] - Private sector job growth remained weak, with manufacturing jobs decreasing by 7,000 and wholesale trade jobs declining by 6,600[4] - The service sector added 68,000 jobs, but this was a slowdown from previous months[4] Structural Risks - The decrease in the labor force participation rate indicates underlying structural weaknesses in the labor market, despite the positive employment figures[5] - The rising number of unemployed individuals, despite a falling unemployment rate, suggests potential future challenges for the job market[5] - Immigration policies may lead to a continued decline in labor supply, potentially increasing unemployment rates without a corresponding rise in the unemployment rate[5] Market Implications - The strong employment data has raised expectations for interest rate cuts later in the year, with markets now betting on no rate cut in July and one cut each in September and December[5] - However, the long-term outlook for rate cuts has decreased significantly, reflecting increased risks to the U.S. economy[5] - The ongoing inflationary pressures from tariffs may complicate the fulfillment of market expectations for rate cuts[5]