Free Trial

MNI BRIEF: US May Payrolls Pick Up To Above-Expected 339K

(MNI) WASHINGTON

U.S. employers added 339,000 workers in May, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Friday, significantly above the 195,000 Wall Street expected and in line with the robust average monthly gain of 341,000 over the past 12 months. The unemployment rate unexpectedly ticked higher by three-tenths to 3.7% due to a large rise in unemployment people last month.

The prior two months were revised a combined 93,000 higher, with April job gains now at 294,000 and March at 217,000. Job growth was led by professional and business services (64,000), government (56,000), health care (52,000) and leisure and hospitality (48,000).

The jobs numbers add to the recent string of hotter-than-expected data that have prompted some Federal Reserve officials to call for additional interest rate increases. (See: MNI POLICY: Fed Most Divided Since Start of Hikes, More Loom)

Average hourly earnings rose 0.33% over the month, slowing slightly from 0.39% in April. It was up 4.30% over the past 12 months, a tad lower than 4.35% in April. But non-supervisory workers saw slightly better average hourly earnings growth, coming in at 0.45% last month from 0.35% in April, or 4.97% over the year compared to 4.95% in April.

MNI Washington Bureau | +1 202-371-2121 | jean.yung@marketnews.com
MNI Washington Bureau | +1 202-371-2121 | jean.yung@marketnews.com

To read the full story

Close

Why MNI

MNI is the leading provider

of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.

Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.