US jobs grow but underlying trends raise some concerns

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In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, analyses latest US jobs data, which showed 147 000 jobs were created in May, above market expectations, while the unemployment rate fell to 4.1%. However, the private sector contributed about half the normal number of jobs and other surveys showed a similar softening trend in job creation. Kevin explores some of the factors behind this trend and what could happen in the longer term.
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STANLIB Asset Management (Pty) Ltd is an authorized Financial Services Provider in terms of the FAIS Act. This should not be construed as advice.
7 Jul English South Africa Investing · Business News

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