Key Factors to Consider in This Week's Employment Report
Money | July 4, 2024, 1:14 p.m.
In the face of high inflation, rising interest rates, pandemic challenges, and geopolitical uncertainties, the US labor market has remained resilient, with strong job gains and unemployment holding steady at or below 4% for 30 months. Economists predict continued robust job growth but at a cooling rate, with expectations of 190,000 new jobs added in June. However, concerns mount as data suggests the economy is slowing, consumer spending is down, and workers feel less secure, potentially signaling a weaker job market. Key indicators to watch include average hourly earnings, labor force participation rates, and part-time employment trends. Immigrants have played a significant role in labor market gains, with research showing their positive impact on job creation. As the labor market normalizes, the upcoming employment report may reveal whether the economy is in a stable post-pandemic state or facing challenges.