US Data: Highlights of MNI Survey of Economic Forecasts

     WASHINGTON (MNI) - The following are highlights of forecasts for   

upcoming U.S. economic indicators provided by participants in the MNI   

weekly survey. The comment section presents the key elements behind the 

median forecasts.    

     Nonfarm Payrolls for August (change in thousands)                       

 Friday, September 7 at 8:30 a.m. ET                     Actual:        

               Median         Range                 Aug18  Jul18  Jun18 

 Payrolls       +195k    +166k to +230k                --  +157k  +248k 

 Private Job    +190k    +163k to +215k                --  +170k  +234k 

 Jobless Rate    3.8%     3.8% to  3.9%                --   3.9%   4.0% 

 Hrly Earnings  +0.2%    +0.2% to +0.3%                --  +0.3%  +0.1% 

 Avg Wkly Hrs    34.5     34.5 to  34.5                --   34.5   34.6 

     Comments: Nonfarm payrolls are forecast to rise by 195,000 in      

August after a weaker-than-expected 157,000 rise in July. The           

unemployment rate is expected to fell further to 3.8% after dipping to  

3.9% in July. Hourly earnings are forecast to rise 0.2% after a 0.3%    

gain, while the average workweek is expected to hold steady at 34.5     

hours                                                                   

--MNI Washington Bureau; +1 202-372-2121; email: shikha.dave@marketnews.com

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