U.S. nonfarm payrolls increase by 29,000 in September, less than expected; unemployment rises to 4.2%
Health care led gains, but revisions cut 60,000 jobs from July and August as wage growth slowed to 3% over the past year, the BLS said.
- On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported U.S. employers added 29,000 jobs in September, missing economists' 90,000 forecast, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.2%.
- The BLS also revised July and August payrolls down by a combined 60,000 jobs, with July shifting from a gain to a loss of 10,000, revealing underlying labor market volatility.
- Glassdoor chief economist Daniel Zhao noted employee confidence fell to a record low in September, describing the labor market as 'low-hire, low-fire' where gross hiring has stalled for over two years.
- Market expectations for an October Federal Reserve rate hike diminished sharply, with CME Group's FedWatch tool pricing in just 17% odds of tightening, down from roughly 69% a week earlier.
- Rising energy prices tied to the conflict with Iran create economic headwinds weeks before November midterm elections, as consumers face persistent uncertainty over living costs and employment prospects.
245 Articles
245 Articles
September 2026 Jobs Day Analysis
The Joint Center analyzes unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and shows how these numbers affect Black workers. Our September Jobs Day analysis is below. From August to September, the unemployment rate for Black workers increased from 6 percent to 7 percent. In September 2025, the unemployment rate for Black workers was 0.5 percentage points
Channel News Asia
US job growth slows sharply in September; unemployment rate rises to 4.2%
WASHINGTON: US job growth slowed more than expected in September and the nonfarm payrolls count for the prior two months was revised sharply lower, almost taking another interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve this month off the table.The Labor Department's closely watched employment report on Friday (Oct
Only 29,000 jobs have been created, well below market expectations; the unemployment rate is 4.2%.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 51% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
