CNBC attributed the weakness to a decline of about 53,000 government jobs, alongside softness in retail, leisure and hospitality and slower healthcare growth.
The jobless rate edged to 4.1%, but mainly because people left the labor force. Participation slipped to 61.4%, a level not seen in over five years.
Average hourly earnings rose about 2 cents on the month, with the 12-month increase slipping to 3.2%, according to CNBC.
InvestingLive noted sizeable downward revisions to the prior two months, which deepens the picture of a cooling labor market rather than a one-off.
Whether the next report rebounds or confirms the trend, and whether workers return to the labor force, will decide if July was noise or a turn.
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