02.05.2025 15:40
The U.S. non-farm payroll data and unemployment figures have been released. Accordingly, there was an increase of 177,000 in non-farm employment for the month of April. The unemployment rate for April was recorded at 4.2%.
The eagerly awaited data from the markets; the U.S. non-farm payrolls and unemployment rate for April have been released. According to the figures expected to affect foreign exchange, stock, and gold prices, there was an increase of 177,000 in non-farm payrolls for April. The expectation for employment growth was 138,000, while the previous month's increase was 185,000.
EXPECTATIONS FOR HOURLY WAGES WERE NOT MET
The unemployment rate for April was realized at 4.2%, which was the same as the expectation and the previous increase. Average hourly earnings in the U.S. increased by 3.8% year-on-year in April. The economists' expectation was 3.9%.
NON-FARM PAYROLL EXPECTATION WAS AT 135,000 LEVEL
According to the forecasts of 68 economists worldwide, the expectations for non-farm payroll growth for April 2025 range between 50,000 and 171,000. The median expectation is at the 135,000 level. The non-farm payroll data announced in March was 228,000, exceeding expectations. This strong performance indicates that a similar increase may occur in April as well. However, signs of slowing in the economy and uncertainties stemming from tariffs may lead to a slight decrease in employment growth.
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE EXPECTATIONS
Market expectations for the unemployment rate range between 4.1% and 4.3%. The median forecast is at the 4.2% level. The unemployment rate was 4.2% in March. This rate indicates a slight easing in the labor market.
AVERAGE HOURLY EARNINGS
Wage increases are an important indicator in assessing inflationary pressures. In March, average hourly earnings increased by 0.3% on a monthly basis and by 3.8% on a yearly basis. A continuation of a similar increase in April was interpreted as a sign that inflationary pressures are persisting.