US employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs; mortgage rates rise again
- U.S. employers cut 23,000 jobs last month, contrary to expectations of job creation.
- The unemployment rate fell to 4.1% as 264,000 Americans left the labor market.
- Local public schools cut 50,000 jobs, while restaurants and bars cut 26,000 jobs.
- The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose to 6.69%, the highest in over a year.
- Higher mortgage rates may limit homebuyers' purchasing power and contribute to sluggish home sales.
U.S. employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs last month, marking a significant reversal in the labor market. The Labor Department also revised previous payroll figures, reducing the number of jobs added in May and June by 103,000. The unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, but this decline was largely due to a significant number of Americans leaving the labor market.
In July, local public schools cut 50,000 jobs, while restaurants and bars reduced their workforce by 26,000. Despite the drop in jobs, the unemployment rate is the lowest since June 2025, but this is misleading as it reflects fewer people actively seeking work.
Additionally, the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose for the fifth consecutive week, reaching 6.69%. This increase in borrowing costs is affecting prospective homebuyers, limiting their purchasing power and contributing to a slowdown in home sales. Higher mortgage rates could lead to more individuals delaying home purchases as they navigate the increased financial burden.
美国雇主意外裁员23,000个职位；抵押贷款利率再次上升
美国雇主上个月意外裁减了23,000个职位，标志着劳动力市场的重大逆转。劳工部还修订了之前的就业数据，将5月和6月新增的职位数减少了103,000个。失业率降至4.1%，但这一下降主要是由于大量美国人退出了劳动力市场。
在七月，地方公立学校裁减了50,000个职位，而餐馆和酒吧则减少了26,000个员工。尽管就业人数下降，失业率却是自2025年6月以来的最低水平，但这并不能准确反映情况，因为这反映了积极寻求工作的人员减少。
此外，美国长期抵押贷款的平均利率连续第五周上升，达到了6.69%。借贷成本的上升正在影响潜在的购房者，限制了他们的购买力，并导致房屋销售放缓。更高的抵押贷款利率可能导致更多人推迟购房，以应对增加的财务负担。