Mixed US jobs numbers calm markets

Mixed US jobs numbers calm markets

The latest US non-farm payroll figures revealed 136,000 new jobs were added in September, down from 168,000 in August and just below analyst forecasts of 145,000.  The unemployment number painted a brighter picture, falling from 3.7 per cent last month to 3.5 per cent this month, the lowest it has been in 50 years. Markets took the news positively, as it suggested that the Federal Reserve may continue on its dovish path by cutting interest rates a third time in its next meeting later this month. US equities were up following the announcement, while the demand for safe havens such as government debt and gold initially declined.