US unexpectedly loses jobs in July, in blow to Trump’s economy claims
This reflects potential weakness in the labour market of the world’s largest economy after months of steady growth
The US economy unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs in July, government data showed, a blow to US President Donald Trump’s claims of leading an economic revival as his Republican Party gears up for crucial midterm elections..
The unemployment rate in the world’s largest economy ticked down to 4.1 per cent, according to data published on Friday by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Since taking office for his second term, Trump has unleashed a spate of policies aimed at reviving domestic manufacturing and curbing surging inflation.
Republicans face a stiff test in November’s midterm elections, with the state of the economy a key issue for Democrats who are seeking to wrest back control of both houses of Congress.
Friday’s data will also pose a question to the US Federal Reserve, which has been signalling it was preparing for a rate hike later this year.
Employment declined in the local government education and retail trade sectors, while it continued to grow in healthcare, the BLS said in a statement.