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 dropped to 4.1% as 264,000 people 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 level in over a year.
- Higher mortgage rates are limiting homebuyers' purchasing power.
U.S. employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs last month, marking a sharp reversal for the American labor market. This decline came as Labor Department revisions also adjusted previous payroll figures down by 103,000 jobs for May and June. The unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, but this was largely due to a significant number of Americans leaving the job market, with 264,000 individuals dropping out of the workforce.
The cuts were particularly pronounced in local public schools, which eliminated 50,000 jobs, followed by the restaurant and bar sector, which saw a reduction of 26,000 jobs. Retailers also contributed to the job losses, cutting 19,000 positions. Despite the drop in the unemployment rate to its lowest level since June 2025, the labor force participation rate fell to 61.4%, the lowest since February 2021.
In related news, the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose for the fifth consecutive week, reaching 6.69%, the highest level in just over a year. This increase poses challenges for prospective homebuyers, as higher borrowing costs can significantly impact purchasing power and may lead to a slowdown in home sales. As mortgage rates rise, many potential buyers may choose to delay their purchases, further affecting the housing market.
美国雇主意外裁员23,000个职位；抵押贷款利率再度上升
美国雇主上个月意外裁减了23,000个职位，标志着美国劳动市场的急剧逆转。这一下降是因为劳动部的修正也将5月和6月的就业数字下调了103,000个职位。失业率降至4.1%，但这主要是由于大量美国人退出了劳动市场，264,000人离开了工作岗位。
裁员尤其集中在地方公立学校，裁减了50,000个职位，其次是餐馆和酒吧，减少了26,000个职位。零售商也贡献了失业人数，裁减了19,000个职位。尽管失业率降至2025年6月以来的最低水平，但劳动参与率降至61.4%，为2021年2月以来的最低水平。
在相关消息中，美国长期抵押贷款平均利率连续第五周上升，达到6.69%，为一年多以来的最高水平。这一上升对潜在购房者构成挑战，因为更高的借贷成本可能会显著影响购买力，并可能导致房屋销售放缓。随着抵押贷款利率的上升，许多潜在买家可能选择推迟购房，从而进一步影响住房市场。