Jobs report

The number of new jobs created each month has been trending down for the past year — but there is also a good amount of positive data in the latest report.

Average hourly earnings rose 4.1% year-over-year in October; the rate peaked near 6% in March 2022. The slowdown in wage growth is helping the Fed wrestle inflation lower.

Experts are predicting a slight decrease in wage growth, a drop that get us closer to pre-pandemic rates.

It's probably more a sign of pandemic labor market weirdness than a coming recession.

Even a small increase in unemployment can result in disproportionate effects on marginalized groups.

The participation rate, which includes people actively looking for jobs, rose in August for those 55 and older, women, teenagers and others.

People are scanning today's jobs report for signs of slower job creation and greater wage gains — as unemployment claims hover near pre-pandemic lows, and companies announce fewer layoffs.

Governing bodies have collectively added 57,000 people per month, on average, this year, outpacing previous public-sector recoveries.

ADP and other labor market signals point to continuing interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve.

Millions of women left the workforce early in the pandemic. The strong job market and flexible working conditions have brought many back.