The U.S. economy continues to grow above-trend, consumer spending remains strong, and the labor market is tight; however, there are concerns about inflation and rising interest rates which could impact the economy and consumer balance sheets, leading to a gradual softening of the labor market.
US payrolls growth in the year through March is forecasted to be weaker by an estimated 500,000 jobs, according to a preliminary benchmark revision, however, average job growth is expected to remain strong at around 300,000 payrolls per month and economists do not anticipate a significant shift in labor market conditions.
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.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has revised down its tally of total employment in March 2023 by 306,000, indicating that there were about 300,000 fewer job gains during April 2022 to March 2023 than initially estimated, which could impact the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates.
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 will have a lot to consider this week as they analyze economic indicators such as US nonfarm payrolls, wage growth, and inflation, as well as Eurozone inflation numbers and central bank commentary, all of which could impact policy decisions and market sentiment.
This week's highlights include new data on the U.S. labor market, earnings reports from several retailers, and the latest inflation data.
Investors will be focusing on new data on the U.S. labor market, including job openings and the nonfarm payrolls report, as well as earnings reports from retailers and the latest inflation data.
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.
The number of job openings in the US fell to 8.8 million at the end of July, indicating a slowing economy, with declines seen in professional and business services, healthcare, and state and local government sectors, while the information industry and transportation saw increases in job openings. Additionally, consumer confidence dipped in August as Americans grew more concerned about rising prices of gas and groceries, and home prices continued to increase in June.
The number of open jobs in the US dropped to its lowest level in over two years in July, signaling a slowdown in the labor market, with economists expecting a further decrease in labor demand and a possible response from the Federal Reserve.
The number of job vacancies in the US dropped in July, indicating a cooling labor market that could alleviate inflation, while fewer Americans quit their jobs and consumer confidence in the economy decreased, potentially impacting consumer spending; these trends may lead the Federal Reserve to delay a rate hike in September.
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.
Job creation in the US slowed in August, indicating that the strong economy could be starting to weaken under pressure from higher interest rates. Private employers added 177,000 jobs, well below the previous month's total of 371,000. Pay growth also slowed, suggesting more sustainable growth as the effects of the pandemic recede. Investors and economists remain uncertain about the future of US inflation and whether the economy can continue to grow without a significant slowdown.
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.
Job creation in the American labor market is expected to slow down in August, with the addition of approximately 170,000 jobs, reflecting a mild cooling of employment growth and wage growth, as well as the impact of higher interest rates on hiring; the recent strikes in the film industry, although not a significant direct employer, are likely to have some impact on the jobs numbers, particularly those related to on-set production and support roles.
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 August employment report showed an increase in unemployment and a jump in the number of workers unemployed for more than 27 weeks, indicating a normalization of the labor market; however, the report also highlighted the potential for further job gains in September as new labor force entrants search for employment.
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%.
Traders will have a break from the stock market on Labor Day following positive economic data that suggests a slowing economy and potentially prevents the Federal Reserve from raising interest rates, while other markets such as commodities and bonds will be closed, and stock futures are expected to rise; additionally, the crypto trade remains active.
The coming week is expected to be lighter for investors, with the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision being the highlight, as US markets observe Labor Day and updates on the services sector and corporate earnings are anticipated.
The US Dollar is expected to trade sideways at the start of the week, with no major drivers or data points to monitor until markets open on Tuesday. The focus for the week will be on Wednesday's release of the Services PMI survey and several central bank speeches leading up to the next Federal Reserve meeting on September 20. Additionally, the article provides information on central banks and their role in monetary policy and interest rates.
The US dollar's strength in the foreign exchange market, along with discussions of de-dollarization, highlights the divergence between the US and other major economies. The Dollar Index is on an eight-week rally, reaching a record high in international payments, while the euro's share has declined to a record low. In the week ahead, the US CPI and the ECB meeting are expected to be major events, with the US showing signs of inflation and weaker demand, and the euro facing challenges amid stagnation and inflation. China's CPI and PPI have shown some improvement, but the focus will be on yuan loans and real sector data. The eurozone's focus will be on the possibility of a rate hike by the ECB and the release of July industrial production figures. Japan's household consumption continues to fall, and the country may experience a contraction in Q3. The UK will release employment data and GDP details, while Canada will see data on existing home sales and the CPI. Australia will release its August employment data, and Mexico's peso positions may continue to adjust due to the winding down of the currency forward hedging facility.
There are indications that a severe economic contraction may be approaching in the US, with a significant decline in home sales and rising interest rates, similar to the 2008 financial crisis, according to Bloomberg analyst Mike McGlone.
The UK's GDP has contracted more than expected in July due to strikes, adverse weather, and a decline in retail trade, with a 0.5% decrease, although the broader picture indicates growth across various sectors; meanwhile, wages have risen by 7.8% and unemployment has increased to 4.3%.
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.
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.
