Fed's Mester: 'Job market is still strong' despite higher unemployment
The US job market shows signs of cooling as unemployment unexpectedly increases to 3.8%, but Federal Reserve officials are unlikely to change their policy stance.
Topics
Posted 9/1/2023, 4:08:48 PM
yahoo.com
Relevant topic timeline:
The US Labor Department has revised downward its estimate of total payroll employment in March 2023, revealing a slightly cooler labor market than previously thought, which may influence the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates at their upcoming policy meeting in September.
Despite attempts by the Federal Reserve to cool the economy and combat inflation, applications for unemployment benefits in the US declined last week, indicating a resilient labor market.
The Bank of Canada may shift its focus from the output gap to labor market indicators, such as unemployment and wages, in order to make inflation forecasts and guide its interest rate decisions, according to a report by CIBC economists. The report suggests that the labor market has become a more reliable indicator of excess demand or supply, and forecasts that if the job market outlook suggests it's not necessary, there may be no more rate hikes this year and rate cuts in early 2024.
Employment growth in the US likely cooled and wage increases moderated in August, reducing the urgency for another interest-rate hike by the Federal Reserve and tempering inflation risks.
Investors are eagerly awaiting news about the health of the US labor market, with reports on job openings, labor turnover, employment, and job cuts expected this week, as the Federal Reserve aims to cool the economy to fight inflation caused by higher labor costs.
Wall Street is calm ahead of key economic reports that could provide insight into the job market, inflation, and potential interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve, while consumer confidence and job opening reports are expected to remain strong in August.
The US labor market shows signs of easing as job openings decline for the third consecutive month, worker quits decrease, and layoffs increase, indicating a more balanced state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The US jobs data for July suggests a cooling employment market, with a drop in labor demand and easing of hiring conditions, which could help lower inflation without a significant rise in unemployment rates.
The U.S. jobs market shows signs of cooling as Labor Day approaches, giving investors relief from concerns about a potential Federal Reserve interest rate hike. However, global market rally and uncertainty around China's market rebound indicate that risks still persist.
U.S. hiring in August fell below expectations, signaling a cooling labor market due to higher interest rates, with companies adding 177,000 jobs compared to the predicted 195,000 gain, marking the worst month for job creation since March.
U.S. job growth is slowing down but remains steady, with the unemployment rate settling at 3.5% in July and predictions that the August jobs report will show similar results, although concerns remain regarding potential slowdowns and negative growth.
The August jobs report is highly anticipated as investors assess the health of the labor market amidst rising interest rates and inflation, with projections indicating an increase in hiring and a steady unemployment rate, but potential disruptions from ongoing strikes and bankruptcies could affect the data. The report is closely watched by the Federal Reserve for signs of labor market softening as they grapple with inflation, and while the labor market has remained tight, there are indications of a gradual slowdown. Job openings have decreased, along with resignations, pointing to a labor market that is cooling.
Federal Reserve officials are closely monitoring employment numbers to assess if the economy's momentum is slowing, which will influence their decision on whether to increase interest rates further.
The US added more jobs than expected in August, but the unemployment rate increased, while average hourly earnings and nonfarm payrolls growth were slightly below forecasts.
The US added 187,000 jobs in August, but the unemployment rate rose to 3.8 percent, indicating a plateau in the labor market as the Federal Reserve considers another interest rate hike.
The US added more jobs than expected in August, but the unemployment rate rose, causing little change in the price of bitcoin while traditional markets reacted positively.
Traders believe that the US Federal Reserve will not raise interest rates further this year, as the latest jobs report showed an increase in unemployment and a cooling wage growth, prompting the Fed to potentially halt rate hikes and keep policy on hold.
The latest inflation data suggests that price increases are cooling down, increasing the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged in their upcoming meeting.
The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge increased slightly in July, suggesting that the fight against inflation may be challenging, but the absence of worse news indicates that officials are likely to maintain interest rates.
The US job market is cooling down, with signs of weakening and a slowdown in momentum, which may allow the Federal Reserve to ease inflation pressure through weaker job creation and reduced demand.
The August jobs report indicates that the labor market is cooling despite a larger-than-expected gain in payrolls.
The Fed's "Sahm Rule" recession gauge could be triggered by an increase in unemployment, according to Peter Corey, co-founder and chief market strategist at Pave Finance, who believes that a stronger-than-expected jobs number and an uptick in the average workweek could put upward pressure on wages and possibly lead the Fed to tighten.
The unemployment rate model predicts that if the unemployment rate reaches 4% or higher in September 2023, a recession will be signaled with a 73% probability for October.
The dollar remains steady as US jobs data indicates a cooling economy and suggests that the Federal Reserve may be nearing the end of its tightening cycle.
The US job market added 187,000 jobs in July, returning to pre-pandemic levels and indicating a gradual cooling off of the labor market, with positive economic news and a steady unemployment rate of 3.5%.
The US dollar edged lower as US markets were closed for a holiday, and investors considered US jobs data indicating signs of cooling, leading to speculation that the Federal Reserve may be at the end of its monetary tightening cycle.
Despite weakening economic growth, the unemployment rate remains low, which is puzzling economists and could lead to a "full-employment stagnation" scenario with a potential recession and low unemployment rates, posing challenges for the Federal Reserve and the overall economy.
U.S. economic growth was modest in July and August, with slowing inflation and a cooling labor market, indicating that the Federal Reserve may be close to finishing its interest rate increases.
The US job market remains resilient despite lower-than-expected job growth in July, with the unemployment rate dipping to 3.5% and more Americans entering the job market, easing pressure on employers to raise wages.
Uncertainty in various sectors, including potential strikes, government shutdowns, geopolitical tensions, and the question of future Federal Reserve interest rate hikes, is causing markets to lack conviction, but this week's inflation readings could provide direction for the markets. If inflation comes in below expectations, it may signal that the Fed will not hike rates further, while stronger-than-expected inflation could lead to more rate hikes and market volatility. Additionally, increasing energy prices and the potential strike by the United Auto Workers union add to the uncertainty.
The Federal Reserve is unlikely to panic over the recent surge in consumer prices, driven by a rise in fuel costs, as it considers further interest rate hikes, but if the rate hikes weaken the job market it could have negative consequences for consumers and President Biden ahead of the 2024 election.
The jobs market is currently in a relatively benign position, with unemployment rates and wage growth neither extremely high nor low, but leading indicators suggest a potential rise in unemployment and a continued deceleration of wage growth in the coming quarters.
Stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data, including a rise in producer prices and retail sales, has sparked concerns about sticky inflation and has reinforced the belief that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates higher for longer.
The upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve meeting is generating less attention than usual, indicating that the Fed's job of pursuing maximum employment and price stability is seen as successful, with labor market data and inflation trends supporting this view.
Summary: The markets have experienced various shocks this week, with the most significant one coming from the Federal Reserve, making labor data more crucial than Fed discussions.