U.S. job market contracts in July as labor‑force participation slips

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the United States experienced a net loss of jobs in July, contrary to expectations of growth. The unemployment rate moved lower, while the civilian labor‑force participation rate declined. Job losses were reported in local‑government education, retail trade and other government sectors, whereas health‑care continued to add workers. Revisions to earlier monthly totals reduced the previously reported gains for May and June. Analysts noted the shift could affect views of a resilient labor market amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.