U.S. Job Growth Slows Down with Labor Market Cooling Down

In April, U.S. job growth decelerated more than anticipated, and the annual wage increase dipped below 4.0% for the first time in nearly three years.

However, it may be premature to anticipate the Federal Reserve initiating interest rate cuts before September, given the relatively tight labor market conditions.

The jobless rate persisted below 4% for the 27th consecutive month. Recent data indicated a decline in job openings for March.

According to the Labor Department’s widely observed employment report released on Friday, the unemployment rate edged up to 3.9% from March’s 3.8%, attributed to an expanding labor supply.

The indications of a cooling labor market sparked hope that the U.S. central bank could go through a “soft-landing” for the economy, dispelling concerns of stagflation.

Earlier apprehensions were fueled by reports of a notable slowdown in economic growth and a surge in inflation in the first quarter.

Financial markets adjusted their expectations, increasing the likelihood of a rate cut in September and envisioning the Fed implementing two interest rate reductions this year, rather than just one, in light of the latest data.

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