AI Data Insight
In May 2026 (Q2 2026), the US non-institutional population climbed to 275.166 million, a steady increase of 112,000 from the previous month. Despite the steady growth in the population base, May nonfarm payrolls added 172,000 jobs, far exceeding market expectations, while the unemployment rate remained flat at 4.3%. The strong employment data alleviated concerns about an economic slowdown and provided the Federal Reserve with policy room to keep interest rates unchanged in the short term.