The September jobs report, delayed due to the government shutdown, revealed a slowing labor market. Revisions to prior months showed that employment in July and August were overstated, with August’s job gains even turning into a loss. The report also indicated a decline in federal employment since January. Despite these economic indicators, a fresh survey shows that a majority of voters have a negative view of the economy.
Due to the 43-day federal government shutdown, the Labor Department will not release a complete jobs report for October. The department was unable to calculate the unemployment rate and other key numbers because of the shutdown. However, it will release the number of jobs created in October alongside the full November jobs report, which is now scheduled for December 16th. The September jobs report, which will be released Friday, will likely receive extra attention as it is the last full measurement of hiring and unemployment that Federal Reserve policymakers will see before their meeting in December.
Toyota opens US battery plant, confirms $10 billion investment plan, and the ripples of this announcement are already being felt, even if the plant itself is still relatively new. I can see the impact already, with the influx of construction, and the inevitable housing developments cropping up, changing the landscape. This massive investment promises to transform the local economy and create a significant number of jobs, estimated to reach around 5,000, which is fantastic news for the area.
This is a pretty big deal, and it’s exciting to think about the kind of economic boom this can trigger. It’s a reminder of what the Toyota plant in West Virginia did for that region.… Continue reading
The Jobs Report Is Canceled. Here’s What Private Data Shows.
With the official jobs report sidelined due to the government shutdown, the focus shifts to private sector data, and the picture it paints isn’t exactly rosy. While the labor market hasn’t cratered, the available information suggests a modest weakening since the summer. It appears we’re in a bit of a holding pattern – not a sharp decline, but certainly not a surge of growth. The situation reminds me of treading water; we’re staying afloat, but not exactly making progress.
The data sources offer a mixed bag. Some reports suggest a slight decline in private-sector employment, while others show a modest rebound.… Continue reading
Elizabeth Warren’s demand for the release of the September jobs report, even amidst the ongoing government shutdown, has become a focal point of political tension. It’s not just about the numbers themselves; it’s about the perception of transparency, trust, and the potential for manipulation of critical economic data. The core question is: Can we believe what the government puts out?
The underlying suspicion is that the administration might try to paint a rosier picture of the economy than reality warrants, especially if the figures are unfavorable. This is fueled by concerns that the current administration has systematically eroded the non-partisan nature of government agencies, filling them with loyalists who might be willing to bend the truth.… Continue reading
The August jobs report revealed the weakest labor-market gain in five years, with the unemployment rate rising and long-term unemployment reaching its highest level in nearly a decade. A particularly concerning trend is the rise in Black unemployment, which has disproportionately impacted Black Americans, with unemployment reaching its worst levels since 2021. This downturn is linked to government firings, DEI rollbacks, and specific sector declines, especially in trade, transportation, and manufacturing. Historically, the economic struggles of Black workers often foreshadow broader economic issues, making the current situation a cause for alarm and potential further negative impacts on the economy.
President Trump’s political strategy hinges on projecting an image of strength and victory to maintain support. Following a disappointing July jobs report, Trump replaced the official overseeing the data to reframe the narrative. However, the August jobs report revealed a meager 22,000 jobs created, significantly less than the previous month, and a downward revision for June. Economists suggest the impact of Trump’s trade policies, specifically tariffs, played a significant role in the economic slowdown, despite the personnel change.
The August jobs report revealed a significant economic downturn, with only 22,000 jobs added and the unemployment rate rising to 4.3%, the highest since 2021. These figures, released after President Trump fired the Bureau of Statistics Commissioner, further indicated that the jobs market is struggling. While Trump’s administration continues to push a narrative of economic prosperity, the numbers undercut those claims and could prompt the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. The report has also caused the number of Americans who have been out of work for more than six months to reach 1.9 million.
The latest jobs report revealed a struggling labor market, with only 22,000 jobs added in August and an unemployment rate increase to 4.3 percent, the highest since 2021. This downturn follows revisions to previous months, indicating negative job growth, exacerbated by the administration’s erratic economic policies. Imposing tariffs and causing economic uncertainty created a brutal post-COVID economy, and now, those factors have severely impacted job growth. Moreover, the administration’s response involves blaming others and attempting to downplay negative findings, while also implementing policies that have shrunk the workforce and reduced job opportunities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released August jobs numbers indicating a disappointing increase of only 22,000 nonfarm payrolls, far below the projected 75,000. While healthcare saw gains, losses in federal government employment, mining, quarrying, and oil/gas extraction offset those gains. This follows the firing of the previous BLS commissioner by President Trump due to weak employment data from the previous month. Furthermore, analysts are noting a possible rate cut by the Federal Reserve.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood