US job growth slows sharply in September; unemployment rate rises to 4.2%

September employment figures revealed a significant slowdown, with US employers adding only 29,000 jobs, well below forecasts. The unemployment rate increased to 4.2%, indicating a cooling labor market despite limited layoffs. This marked a sharp decline from August's revised 133,000 jobs added. Seasonal factors, including Labor Day timing, likely influenced the lower September gain.

Unemployment claims remained historically low, suggesting few broad layoffs. The labor market has remained resilient this year despite high interest rates, trade tensions, and the US-Iran conflict. While employment in most sectors remained stable, financial activities saw a loss of 7,000 jobs, with insurance shedding most of the decline.

Average hourly earnings rose by 3% annually, but wage growth remained moderate. The jobs report follows the Federal Reserve's 25 basis point interest rate hike to a 3.75%-4.00% range, reducing expectations for another hike at the October meeting. Economists warn that higher energy costs, supply-chain issues, and tariffs could further strain employment in 2025 and 2027.

The report precedes the November midterm elections, where the labor market's state will be a crucial economic indicator. Despite the weak hiring numbers, the broader labor market shows no signs of widespread job losses, with initial unemployment claims near a 57-year low and corporate profits and domestic demand remaining robust.