{
  "id": 14577760,
  "title": "Australia loses 39,300 jobs unexpectedly, easing bets on another RBA rate hike",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/australia-loses-39-300-jobs-unexpectedly-easing-bets-on-another-rba",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-15T01:00:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Investing.com",
    "slug": "investing-com",
    "url": "https://www.investing.com/news/economic-indicators/australia-loses-39300--jobs-unexpectedly-easing-bets-on-another-rba-rate-hike-4950355"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In September, Australia experienced a decline in employment, with 39,300 jobs lost unexpectedly, contrary to economists' predictions of a rise. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that the unemployment rate increased to 4.7% from 4.6% in August, surpassing expectations of the rate staying unchanged. The participation rate, measuring the share of the population working or seeking work, dropped to 66.8% from 67.1%, falling below forecasts of 67.0%. Part-time jobs decreased by 73,700, significantly outweighing the 34,400 increase in full-time employment. The underemployment rate also rose to 6.3% from 6.2%. Unemployment rose by 8,900 to reach 732,000. While the data indicate a weaker labor market, such monthly fluctuations are common. In trend terms, employment still grew by 15,700, and the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.6%. The figures emerged following the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to raise its cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.60%, marking its fourth increase this year to curb persistent inflation. This news could complicate the central bank's policy outlook, as a weaker labor market might help ease wage and inflation pressures over time. The RBA's next policy meeting is scheduled for November 2-3. The AUD/USD exchange rate fell 0.3%, and the S&P/ASX 200 index saw a 0.4% reduction in losses.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Australia loses 39,300 jobs unexpectedly in September",
    "Unemployment rate rises to 4.7% from 4.6%",
    "Reserve Bank of Australia hikes cash rate to 4.60%"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}