US nonfarm payrolls easily beat expectations

(Sharecast News) - US non-farm payrolls increased by 119,000 in September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, following August's revised 4,000 decline and well and truly ahead of forecasts of 50,000 for the biggest job gain in five months. September's increase was driven by gains in healthcare, hospitality and social assistance, while declines were seen in transportation, warehousing and federal government roles.

The September jobs report, originally due on 3 October, was delayed by the longest federal government shutdown in US history.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics said the October employment report had been cancelled entirely, as household survey data could not be collected during the reference period due to a lapse in appropriations.





Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com