The latest US jobs data, released on August 1, 2025, shows that total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 73,000 in July, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.2%. This hiring slowdown, down from previous reports for May and June which were also revised downwards, is attributed to factors like tariff-related uncertainty and a continued post-pandemic normalization of workforces. 

Key highlights from the July 2025 jobs report: 

• Job Gains: 73,000 nonfarm payroll jobs were added in July, below expectations. 
• Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate increased to 4.2%. 
• Sectoral Changes: Health care and social assistance continued to see job growth, while the federal government lost jobs. 
• Revisions to Previous Data: Job gains for May and June were revised downwards, with a combined total of 258,000 fewer jobs added over those two months compared to previous estimates. 
• Long-term Unemployed: The number of long-term unemployed (27 weeks or more) increased to 1.8 million. 
• Labor Force Participation: The labor force participation rate remained relatively stable at 62.2%.