Clouds on the Horizon: U.S. Job Market Faces Slowdown Amid Economic Uncertainty

The U.S. labor market showed signs of deceleration in June, with the unemployment rate potentially inching up to 4.3%, a 3-1/2-year high. Analysts attribute this slump to economic uncertainty exacerbated by the Trump administration's policies, including tariffs and immigration crackdowns that aim to reshape the workforce landscape.

Despite the slowing job growth, which fell short of the three-month average, the Federal Reserve is unlikely to resume interest rate cuts in July. Factors such as consumer sentiment decline, rising layoffs, and constrained hiring continue to shadow the labor market, posing challenges to long-term economic stability.

Reports suggest a persistent lag in the labor response, complicating matters further. As layoffs increase, fewer job opportunities loom for displaced workers. Economists predict that job gains, particularly in the healthcare sector, will face roadblocks, with policies and tariffs impacting industries like manufacturing and construction.

(With inputs from agencies.)