September U.S. jobs report shows a weaker labor market

U.S. employers added 29,000 jobs in September, substantially below the approximately 84,000 forecast, while the unemployment rate increased from 4.1% to 4.2%.[1][2][3][4] The reports broadly describe slower or weaker hiring; one report notes that the unemployment increase was largely associated with

What is established so far

• September payroll growth was 29,000, compared with an expected 84,000.[1][2][3][4]
• The unemployment rate rose to 4.2%, from the expected 4.1%.[1][2][3]
• Earlier employment figures were revised lower, including August and July.[1][2]
• The report was the final monthly jobs report before the midterm elections.[1]