US economy added 29,000 jobs in September as unemployment rose to 4.2 percent
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday that the American economy added 29,000 jobs in September and the unemployment rate increased to 4.2 percent.
Job gains fell below expectations
Employers created just 29,000 positions last month, which is significantly lower than the roughly 70,000 new jobs economists predicted. This figure represents a sharp decline from the 162,000 jobs added in August before recent revisions to earlier data.
Healthcare led sector growth
The healthcare industry accounted for most of the new positions with 17,000 added jobs during the period. Conversely, the information, financial and professional sectors experienced job losses according to the latest official numbers.
Earnings growth slowed down
Average hourly earnings increased by only 3 percent, marking the lowest rate of growth in more than five years. Jobless claims also decreased for four consecutive weeks as the labor department released its latest figures on Thursday.
2 outlets, different leads
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The Hill
US economy added 29,000 jobs in September: BLS
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The Guardian
US added just 29,000 jobs in September in sharp drop from last month’s gains
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2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.