US Employment Growth Slows Sharply in September

In September, the U.S. labor market cooled markedly, with employers adding only 29,000 jobs in the last report before the midterm elections.

Hiring remained flat across major industries from technology to retail, reflecting a notable drop from August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The unemployment rate edged up from 4.1% in August to 4.2% in September.

These numbers point to a weakening U.S. economy, leading analysts to suggest that the Federal Reserve is less likely to pursue additional interest‑rate increases.

The September gain of 29,000 jobs compares with a revised August figure of 133,000, per BLS data.

The report contrasts sharply with former President Donald Trump’s claim that the American economy is booming and the “hottest” in the world.

This divergence could pose difficulties for Trump and fellow Republicans as they campaign for the midterm congressional elections, with just one month left.

An AP/NORC poll released on Thursday shows that only 17% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of cost‑of‑living concerns, while 26% approve of his overall economic management.

Both figures represent new lows for Trump, surpassing the lowest approval ratings recorded for President Joe Biden during his term.

There are signs that Trump recognizes his view of the U.S. economy differs from that of most Americans.

\”I’ve done a poor job of explaining how well the country is actually doing,\” he remarked at a White House event earlier this week.

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