The unemployment rate ticked higher as well, to 3.9% from 3.8% the month before.
That’s because the Federal Reserve is working to slow the economy by hiking interest rates — the only tool it has to fight inflation.
A still-robust job market means the central bank could continue to keep rates elevated without fear of sending the economy into a recession.
If the labor market weakens, the Fed is more likely to consider a rate cut.
“We’re also prepared to respond to an unexpected weakening in the labor market,” he said.
Persons:
Dow, “, ”, Matt Peron, Janus Henderson, They’re, Jerome Powell, “ We’re
Organizations:
New, New York CNN, Nasdaq, of Labor Statistics, Wall, Federal Reserve, Janus, Janus Henderson Investors, ”, Treasury, Apple
Locations:
New York