Analysis: US April Nonfarm Payrolls Added 115,000 Jobs, Beating Expectations for Second Consecutive Month

Odaily Planet Daily reported that data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday showed the U.S. economy added 115,000 jobs in April, exceeding Wall Street expectations for the second consecutive month. This figure is lower than the upwardly revised 185,000 jobs added in March but higher than the 65,000 jobs expected by economists in the institutional survey.

In recent months, U.S. employment data has been volatile, swinging between significant growth and sharp declines, making it difficult for analysts to assess the overall health of the economy. Although the unemployment rate remains relatively low, divisions within the Federal Reserve are deepening over how to respond to the energy shock caused by the Iran conflict, as policymakers debate its potential impact on the economy.

Some officials worry that rising inflation could coincide with a climbing unemployment rate, forming a stagflation scenario, as consumers reduce spending, leading employers to lay off workers. Cleveland Fed President Hamack stated on Thursday that if companies see demand for their products is no longer strong, it could mean they will reduce hiring.

For now, it appears that basically everyone who wants a job can find one. But if demand-side pressure intensifies, then the employment side of the Fed's dual mandate could be at risk. Therefore, significant uncertainty currently exists. (Jin Shi)