AI Data Insight
In June 2026, US nonfarm payrolls added only 57,000 jobs, a sharp contraction from the previous 172,000 and well below the market expectation of 114,000. Although the unemployment rate slightly dropped to 4.2%, this was primarily driven by the labor force participation rate falling to a five-year low. The overall weak employment momentum confirms that the US labor market is returning to normal, further easing recent pressure on the Federal Reserve (Fed) to hike interest rates.