In August, job growth in the US amounted to 142 thousand, which was slightly less than expected (consensus 165 thousand, Commerzbank forecast 150 thousand), Commerzbank’s Senior Economist Dr. Christoph Balz notes.

The labor market remains a cause for concern

“The US labor market barely recovered in August after the disappointing July report. 142 thousand new jobs were created, while the unemployment rate fell to 4.2%. At the same time, however, the increase in jobs in June and July was revised downwards by a total of 86 thousand.”

“The labor market therefore remains a cause for concern. The Federal Reserve is likely to cut interest rates on September 18. However, the report does not provide a clear indication whether policy makers will prefer a move by 25 or 50 basis points.”