Arabic version: توقع ارتفاع الوظائف في أغسطس بمقدار 53 ألفًا
According to Cnbc, nonfarm payrolls are projected to increase by 53,000 in August, based on the Dow Jones consensus estimate. The expected gain would follow June and July, which together showed a net loss of 3,000 jobs. The unemployment rate is expected to remain at 4.1%.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics report, due Friday, is expected to cap a relatively jobless summer. Initial August payroll figures have been revised lower in each of the past four years, adding to scrutiny of the first reading. Dan North, senior economist for Allianz Trade North America, described the labor market as “stable but unexciting.”
Geopolitical uncertainty, artificial intelligence investment and a shrinking labor force have shaped labor-market conditions. Companies have avoided widespread layoffs, while weekly jobless claims have remained contained. Challenger, Gray & Christmas said the total layoff pace in 2026 is the slowest in four years.
Federal Reserve officials have recently focused more on inflation than employment. Governor Michael Barr called the labor market “stable,” while Governor Christopher Waller said it was in “satisfactory shape.” Citigroup economist Andrew Hollenhorst said softer payroll readings, low jobless claims and a steady unemployment rate have kept officials unconcerned. Citi forecasts 20,000 new jobs in August, following a loss of 23,000 in July, and sees unemployment potentially rising to 4.2%.
Several factors could affect the August count. The government canceled Temporary Protected Status for thousands of Haitians in July, a move projected to affect 350,000 Haitians. Vanguard’s 401(k) account data indicated a gain of just 8,000 jobs for the month, partly reflecting a noticeable decline in hiring among people aged 21 to 24.
