Weaker-than-expected US jobs growth in May

Weaker-than-expected US jobs growth in May

June’s non-farm payrolls came in significantly below analysts’ expectations, showing only 75,000 jobs being created in the month of May versus the forecast of 185,000. On top of this, the year-on-year rise in average earnings for the month was also lower than expected, at 3.1 per cent rather than 3.2 per cent, highlighting that the labour market continues to show signs of weakening. This data added to speculation that the Federal Reserve will cut rates this year and led investors to seek the safety of debt, sending yields on US Treasuries and UK government debt lower, representing a rise in bond prices due to the higher demand. The dollar also weakened against all major currencies following the release.