The latest data indicates a shift in the U.S. job market towards a downturn. Initial jobless claims have increased to 249K, surpassing previous figures of 235K and an estimate of 236K. Continuing claims also rose to 1.877M from 1.851M, against an expectation of 1.855M.
Despite a rise in nonfarm productivity to 2.3% from a previous 0.2%, exceeding the 1.8% estimate, unit labor costs dropped significantly to 0.9% from 4.0%, below the forecasted 1.7%.
This trend may influence Federal Reserve policy, with a potential rate cut anticipated in September.