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US job market poised for recovery in August after July setback

The United States is expected to have added 56,000 nonfarm jobs in August, rebounding from a decline of 23,000 the previous month, according to economist forecasts. The unemployment rate is projected to hold steady at 4.1 per cent.

LSN Malaysia · 4 September 2026

US job market poised for recovery in August after July setback

American employers are anticipated to have resumed hiring in August following a disappointing July, with nonfarm payrolls forecast to increase by 56,000 positions based on a Reuters survey of economists. This would mark a significant turnaround from the previous month's contraction of 23,000 jobs, signalling renewed momentum in the labour market. The data carries weight for investors and policymakers alike, as employment figures remain a key barometer of economic health in the world's largest economy. The jobless rate is expected to remain unchanged at 4.1 per cent, suggesting the labour market continues to maintain relative stability despite earlier weakness. The August employment report will provide fresh insight into whether recent economic softness represents a temporary pause or the beginning of a broader slowdown. Investors will be closely monitoring the figures for clues about the Federal Reserve's policy direction in coming months, particularly regarding potential interest rate adjustments. The employment landscape remains significant for global markets, given the US economy's outsized influence on international trade and growth patterns across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.