FX.co ★ US Job Growth Likely Slowed in April

The U.S. economy is anticipated to have added 130,000 jobs in April 2025, marking a slowdown from the 228,000 jobs gained in March. This reduction is partially attributed to the fading effects of the earlier unseasonably warm weather, coupled with increasing uncertainties driven by President Donald Trump's assertive tariff strategies. The unemployment rate is expected to remain stable at 4.2%, with wage growth likely to decelerate slightly to 3.8%. Nonetheless, the Labor Department's much-anticipated employment report may be perceived as retrospective and might not effectively illustrate the current economic direction. This follows on the heels of disappointing GDP data highlighting that the U.S. economy contracted in the first quarter, primarily due to a significant rise in imports ahead of impending tariffs. This situation, combined with indications of a cooling labor market, may influence the Federal Reserve to consider reducing interest rates in June.