U.S. payrolls increased 139,000 in May, more than expected; unemployment at 4.2%

U.S. payrolls increased 139,000 in May, more than expected ...

Signs point to a weaker labor market

ANOTHER VIEW

Jobs Hold Steady in the U.S. but Friction Grows as Unemployment Claims Rise

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Department of Labor released new data this week showing the labor market remains steady but is showing signs of strain. Employers added 139,000 jobs in May, keeping the unemployment rate at 4.2 percent for the third straight month. This figure matches forecasts and suggests that, on the surface, […]

Why one economist says the labor market is far weaker than it seems

Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesThe May jobs report beat estimates, but the data might be concealing underlying weaknesses.Economist Samuel Tombs warns about softening hiring and frequent downward job revisions.Tombs predicts a 4.8% unemployment rate by December and a September rate cut.Last Friday's jobs report was upbeat, but the numbers might not be telling the whole story, one economist warns.Samuel Tombs, Chief US economist at Pantheon Macroeco…

Nation's labor market moderates

U.S. job growth moderated in May and the prior months were revised lower, indicating employers are cautious about growth prospects as they weigh the Trump administration’s economic policy. Nonfarm payrolls increased 139,000 last month after a combined 95,000 in downward revisions to the prior two months, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data out Friday. The unemployment rate held at 4.2%, while wage growth accelerated. The payrolls figure…

Signs point to weaker labor market

The White House hailed the jobs report for May, and it did beat market expectations with a net gain of 139,000 in payrolls. But signs of weakness bear watching under the labor-market hood.