The Federal Reserve's long-held belief that the US economy had reached its long-term growth potential of 1.8% is being challenged as strong growth continues, driven by unexpected labor force growth, manufacturing construction, and potential improvements in productivity, prompting a larger conversation about the country's economic potential.
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.
The US economy is expected to slow in the coming months due to the Federal Reserve's efforts to combat inflation, which may lead to softer consumer spending and sideways movement in the stock market for the rest of the year, according to experts. Additionally, the resumption of student loan payments in October and the American consumer's credit card debt could further dampen consumer spending. Meanwhile, Germany's economy is facing a recession, with falling output and sticky inflation contributing to its contraction this year, making it the only advanced economy to shrink.
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 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.
Job creation in the United States slowed more than expected in August, a sign that the resilient economy might be starting to ease under pressure from higher interest rates.
The US economy grew at a slightly slower pace in the second quarter than previously estimated, indicating potential success for the Federal Reserve's efforts to cool demand and reduce price increases.
Job growth in the US slowed in August, signaling the impact of high interest rates, which has given traders hope that the Federal Reserve might pause hikes; US stocks rallied on the news, with the S&P 500 on a four-day winning streak and regaining some of August's losses.
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 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.
The week has been driven by macroeconomic data, but the threat of economic contraction is not currently imminent, with the US Ten-Year Note yielding around 4.11% overnight and the US Dollar Index trading around 103.5; the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its employment-related surveys for August today, with economists expecting non-farm job creation of around 170,000 and wage growth at 4.4% year over year.
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 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.
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.
The U.S. economy experienced modest growth in July and August, driven by pent-up demand for leisure activities, while nonessential retail sales slowed, according to the Federal Reserve's "Beige Book" survey.
Inflation has decreased significantly in recent months, but the role of the Federal Reserve in this decline is questionable as there is little evidence to suggest that higher interest rates led to lower prices and curtailed demand or employment. Other factors such as falling energy prices and the healing of disrupted supply chains appear to have had a larger impact on slowing inflation.
US inflation has slowed over the past year and wages are not a reliable indicator of future price increases, according to Federal Reserve officials.
Mortgage rates have slightly decreased from their peak in late August, but future trends will depend on the economy and inflation rates, with potential decreases if inflation slows and the Federal Reserve stops increasing its benchmark rate.
The Federal Reserve's Beige Book report reveals modest economic growth in the summer, with subdued consumer spending and a slowing labor market, while also indicating that businesses expect wage growth to slow in the near term and inflation to remain benign, leading to speculation about the Fed's future monetary policy decisions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is expected to release a report showing steady growth in consumer prices with a year-on-year inflation increase of 3.6% in August, indicating that the Federal Reserve's efforts to control inflation are working but there may be more rate hikes if inflation does not decline.
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.
Fed officials expect faster economic growth and lower inflation as they project an increase in gross domestic product and a decrease in the unemployment rate while forecasting a decline in core inflation for the remainder of the year.