Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published • loading... • Updated

U.S. nonfarm payrolls increase by 29,000 in September, less than expected; unemployment rises to 4.2%

Hiring slowed sharply as prior months were revised down by 60,000 jobs and average hourly earnings rose just 3% from a year earlier.

  • On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported U.S. employers added just 29,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in September, missing forecasts of roughly 90,000. The unemployment rate rose to 4.2%, while July and August payrolls were revised down by a combined 60,000 jobs.
  • Economists described a persistent 'low-hire, low-fire' labor market where employers maintain current headcount rather than expand hiring. This structural pattern, despite historically low layoffs, reflects broad stagnation in job creation across the economy.
  • Health care led gains with 17,000 jobs added in September, while the financial sector shed 7,000. Average hourly earnings rose 3% over the past year, failing to keep pace with 3.4% inflation and eroding real wages for workers.
  • Treasury yields fell to 5.17% on Friday as markets reacted to the weak report. The CME FedWatch tool showed implied odds for an October Federal Reserve rate hike dropped to 17%, down from about 69% a week prior.
  • The jobs report arrives one month before the November 3 midterm elections amid mounting economic anxiety. The Conference Board reported consumer confidence fell to its lowest level in more than a decade, reflecting public concerns over job security and rising costs.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions

454 Articles

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 53% of the sources are Center
53% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Business Insider broke the news in New York, United States on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal