Investopedia
What To Expect From the August Jobs Report on Friday
* Economists forecast 53,000 jobs added in August after July's 23,000 loss.
* Labor market remains stable with low hiring and low layoffs.
* Steady jobs data may allow Fed to raise rates to fight inflation.
Economists expect the U.S. to add 53,000 jobs in August, reversing July's 23,000 loss. Unemployment is seen staying at 4.1%. The report points to a labor market stuck in low-hiring, low-firing mode, with businesses pausing expansion amid tariffs, Iran-related uncertainty, and high borrowing costs. A result in line with forecasts would signal enough stability for the Fed to raise rates later this month without fear of stoking unemployment. Some analysts forecast a stronger rebound of 125,000 jobs, attributing July's drop to seasonal distortions.
September 2, 2026 at 3:22 PM