US job growth strengthens in September despite rising unemployment

U.S. employment growth accelerated in September, although the labor market struggled to keep up with new job-seekers due to challenges such as import tariffs and the integration of artificial intelligence in roles.The unemployment rate rose to 4.4%, its highest in four years, from 4.3% in August, according to the Labor Department. Revised payroll data indicated that jobs were shed in August, highlighting ongoing labor market softness.

Layoffs remained low in mid-November, indicative of a “no-hire, no-fire” condition in the job market. Some economists believe the rise in unemployment supports a Federal Reserve interest rate cut, while others argue in favour of maintaining rates due to the surprising job growth.

Nonfarm payrolls increased by 119,000 jobs after a revised decrease in August. Economists had previously forecasted a much lower job addition. The report’s release was delayed due to a federal government shutdown.

Stock markets in Wall Street experienced declines, while the dollar remained steady against various currencies. Job gains were influenced by seasonal adjustments in sectors like leisure and hospitality.

Job Sector Trends

Healthcare employment led growth with 43,000 new jobs, while the leisure sector added 47,000. Conversely, transportation and warehousing lost over 25,000 positions, with manufacturing shedding 6,000.

The federal workforce decreased by 3,000 jobs, part of a larger trend of declining employment in government positions. Despite momentum loss, labor participation rose, impacting the unemployment rate dynamics positively.