Blog — HAAWKS

Viewing entries tagged
GBPUSD

Comment

Share

58 pips potential profit in 39 seconds on 7 June 2024, analysis on forex fx futures news trading USDJPY and EURUSD on US Employment Situation (Non-farm payrolls/NFP) data

According to our analysis USDJPY and EURUSD moved around 58 pips on US Employment Situation (Non-farm payrolls / NFP) data on 7 June 2024.

USDJPY (38 pips)

EURUSD (20 pips)

Charts are exported from JForex (Dukascopy).


Analyzing the May 2024 U.S. Employment Report: Trends and Implications

The latest Employment Situation Summary released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides an insightful glimpse into the current state of the nation's job market as of May 2024. A robust addition of 272,000 jobs indicates continuing growth across multiple sectors, maintaining a stable unemployment rate of 4.0 percent. This post delves into the details of the report, highlighting key trends and what they might mean for the economy and job seekers.

Key Highlights from the May 2024 Report

  • Continued Growth in Key Sectors: The health care, government, leisure and hospitality, and professional, scientific, and technical services sectors led job additions for the month. Notably, health care saw an addition of 68,000 jobs, aligning with its average monthly gain, signaling ongoing robust demand in this sector.

  • Stable Unemployment Rates: The unemployment rate held steady at 4.0 percent, with little change across major worker groups. Adult men and women posted unemployment rates of 3.8 percent and 3.4 percent respectively, while the unemployment rate for teenagers was significantly higher at 12.3 percent.

  • Part-Time and Marginal Attachments: Approximately 4.4 million individuals were employed part-time for economic reasons, unchanged from the previous month. Additionally, 1.5 million people were marginally attached to the labor force, including 462,000 discouraged workers who believe no jobs are available for them.

Economic Trends and Labor Market Dynamics

The stability in unemployment rates combined with significant job growth in sectors like health care and technical services suggests a maturing recovery phase as the economy rebounds from previous disruptions. The consistency in sectors like health care underscores the critical demand for healthcare services, possibly driven by an aging population and greater health consciousness post-pandemic.

Government job increases also reflect ongoing public sector investments, which often provide a stabilizing effect on employment during economic fluctuations. Meanwhile, the leisure and hospitality sector's recovery is indicative of restored consumer confidence and spending levels.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the overall positive outlook, there remain areas of concern, such as the high unemployment rate among teenagers and the substantial number of individuals working part-time due to economic conditions. These issues highlight the need for targeted policy interventions, such as improved job training and education programs, especially for younger workers.

The slight increase in discouraged workers also suggests that some segments of the population are not feeling the benefits of economic recovery, possibly due to skills mismatches or geographic disparities in job availability.

Forward Outlook

Looking ahead, the labor market appears to be on a stable trajectory, but with some areas needing attention to ensure broader participation and benefits from economic growth. Employers and policymakers alike should focus on inclusive growth strategies that address the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

The next Employment Situation Summary, slated for release in early July, will be closely watched for signs of whether these trends continue, especially in terms of wage growth and labor force participation rates.

Overall, the May 2024 employment report paints a picture of a resilient U.S. job market, with ongoing opportunities tempered by challenges that need to be managed to sustain long-term economic health.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm


Start forex fx futures news trading with Haawks G4A low latency machine-readable data today, one of the fastest news data feeds for US economic and commodity data.

Please let us know your feedback. If you are interested in timestamps, please send us an email to sales@haawks.com.

Comment

Share

Comment

Share

17 pips potential profit in 15 seconds on 16 May 2024, analysis on futures forex fx low latency news trading USDJPY and EURUSD on US Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing data

According to our analysis USDJPY and EURUSD moved 17 pips on US Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey data on 16 May 2024.

USDJPY (12 pips)

EURUSD (5 pips)

Charts are exported from JForex (Dukascopy).


May 2024 Manufacturing Business Outlook: A Mix of Decline and Optimism

The results from the May 2024 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey indicate a mixed bag for the regional manufacturing sector, presenting a scenario where current conditions have softened, yet future prospects remain positive. Conducted between May 6 and May 13, the survey captures the opinions of regional manufacturing firms, revealing a slight weakening in present activities but a sustained expectation of growth in the months ahead.

Current Manufacturing Climate: Challenges on Multiple Fronts

The survey underscores a noticeable decline in several key indicators this month. The diffusion index for current general activity, while still positive, has dropped 11 points to 4.5, primarily reversing the gains observed last month. This downward trend is also reflected in the new orders and shipments indexes, both of which have dipped into negative territory for the first time since early this year; new orders fell from 12.2 to -7.9, and shipments dropped from 19.1 to -1.2.

In terms of employment, the indicators are somewhat conflicting. Although the employment index itself showed a slight improvement, rising 3 points to -7.9, the overall balance still points to a decline in employment. A significant portion of firms (20%) reported a decrease in employment levels, overshadowing the 12% that noted an increase.

Pricing Trends: Increases Continue but Below Long-Term Averages

Price pressures continue to be a notable concern, albeit remaining below historical averages. The prices paid index decreased slightly by 4 points to 18.7, indicating ongoing rises in input costs. Conversely, the prices received index for firms’ own goods nudged up by just 1 point to 6.6, suggesting a more moderate pass-through of costs to consumers.

Future Outlook: Optimism Prevails Despite Current Downturn

Despite the current downturn, the survey reveals an overarching sense of optimism among firms about the future. The future general activity index experienced a minor decline but remained robust at 32.4, suggesting that a significant number of firms (45%) expect increases in activity over the next six months. This sentiment is bolstered by positive movements in the indexes for future new orders and shipments, with particularly strong expectations for the latter, which climbed 17 points to 46.2.

Employment prospects also appear more hopeful, as reflected by the 9-point rise in the future employment index to 21.7. This signals that firms are generally anticipating the need for more hands on deck as business activities are expected to ramp up.

Special Focus: Inflation Expectations and Price Forecasts

This month’s survey included special questions about price forecasts, revealing that firms expect a steady rise in their own prices by about 3.0% over the next year, mirroring the expected rate of inflation for U.S. consumers. While these projections hold steady from previous forecasts, there’s a slight downtrend in the expected rise in employee compensation, suggesting cautious optimism about cost management.

Conclusion

The May Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey paints a realistic picture of the current manufacturing landscape—while immediate conditions show signs of softening, particularly in new orders and shipments, the broader outlook remains positive. This resilience amidst challenges highlights the sector's adaptability and forward-looking nature, suggesting that firms are poised to navigate through current uncertainties with a focus on future growth opportunities.

Source: https://www.philadelphiafed.org/surveys-and-data/regional-economic-analysis/mbos-2024-05


Start futures forex fx news trading with Haawks G4A low latency machine-readable data, one of the fastest machine-readable news trading feeds for US macro-economic and commodity data.

Please let us know your feedback. If you are interested in timestamps, please send us an email to sales@haawks.com.

Comment

Share

Comment

Share

77 pips potential profit in 97 seconds on 3 May 2024, analysis on forex fx futures news trading USDJPY and EURUSD on US Employment Situation (Non-farm payrolls/NFP) data

According to our analysis USDJPY and EURUSD moved around 77 pips on US Employment Situation (Non-farm payrolls / NFP) data on 3 May 2024.

USDJPY (51 pips)

EURUSD (26 pips)

Charts are exported from JForex (Dukascopy).


Analyzing the April 2024 Employment Situation Summary

The latest Employment Situation Summary released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a mixed bag of insights into the state of the American job market as of April 2024. Total nonfarm payroll employment saw an increase of 175,000 jobs last month, which is notably lower than the average monthly gain of 242,000 over the previous year. This deceleration in job growth may signal a more cautious approach by businesses amidst various economic pressures. However, the unemployment rate remained stable at 3.9%, suggesting a still robust labor market.

Sector-Specific Highlights

Health Care: The health care sector continued to show strong performance with 56,000 new jobs added in April. This sector's resilience is critical as it aligns with ongoing demands in health services, especially in ambulatory health care services and hospitals.

Social Assistance: This sector also saw significant growth, adding 31,000 jobs, indicating ongoing needs in community and social services. The consistent job additions in social assistance reflect the growing societal emphasis on supportive services.

Transportation and Warehousing: With a 22,000 job increase, this sector shows a modest rebound, likely driven by the ongoing shifts in consumer delivery preferences and supply chain adjustments.

Retail Trade: Notably, the retail trade has picked up momentum with a 20,000 increase in jobs, led by gains in general merchandise and building material stores. This could be an indicator of consumer confidence and spending.

Challenges and Steady Sectors

Despite these positive trends, certain sectors like construction and government showed only slight changes in employment numbers. The construction sector's small gain of 9,000 jobs suggests a slowdown possibly linked to material costs or interest rate concerns. Government employment also showed minimal change, indicating a potential plateau in public sector hiring.

Economic Indicators and Wage Analysis

A key takeaway from the report is the slight increase in average hourly earnings, up 7 cents to $34.75, representing a 3.9% increase year-over-year. This gradual wage growth indicates ongoing adjustments to inflationary pressures but could also point to cautious employer spending in salary increments.

The average workweek slightly decreased by 0.1 hours to 34.3 hours, a subtle sign that businesses might be adjusting labor hours to manage costs or productivity demands.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the labor market appears to be balancing cautious employer behavior with steady consumer activity. The sectors showing growth highlight areas of economic strength, while the overall slowdown in job additions could suggest a market awaiting clearer economic signals.

For policymakers and business leaders, these insights provide a nuanced perspective on workforce dynamics as they plan for potential economic shifts. For workers, the steady yet selective growth in sectors may influence decisions on skill development and job opportunities.

As we look to the next Employment Situation Summary due in June, all eyes will be on whether these trends hold steady or if new economic factors will emerge, influencing job market trajectories in mid-2024.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm


Start forex fx futures news trading with Haawks G4A low latency machine-readable data today, one of the fastest news data feeds for US economic and commodity data.

Please let us know your feedback. If you are interested in timestamps, please send us an email to sales@haawks.com.

Comment

Share

Comment

Share

20 pips potential profit in 100 seconds on 18 April 2024, analysis on futures forex fx low latency news trading USDJPY and EURUSD on US Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing data

According to our analysis USDJPY and EURUSD moved 20 pips on US Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey data on 18 April 2024.

USDJPY (10 pips)

EURUSD (10 pips)

Charts are exported from JForex (Dukascopy).


Analyzing the April 2024 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey: Key Insights and Implications

The April 2024 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey provides valuable insights into the current state and future expectations of regional manufacturing activity. Collected from April 8 to April 15, the responses offer a comprehensive overview of various economic indicators and their potential impacts on the sector.

Current Manufacturing Trends

In April, the survey highlights a continued expansion in manufacturing activity. Notably, the diffusion index for current general activity increased by 12 points to 15.5, marking its highest level since April 2022. This rise reflects improved sentiments among manufacturers, with approximately 38% of firms reporting increases in general activity. This positivity is further supported by gains in new orders and shipments, suggesting a robust demand and operational uptick.

Despite these positive signs, the employment index remained in the negative territory at -10.7, continuing a trend observed over the past 14 months. The decline indicates ongoing challenges in the labor market within manufacturing, with firms reporting a higher rate of employment decreases compared to increases. This aspect of the survey underscores a critical area of concern that could affect production capacity and growth prospects if prolonged.

Price Dynamics

Price indexes from the survey indicate sustained pressure on costs. The prices paid index soared to 23.0 in April from 3.7 in March, signaling that input costs remain a significant challenge. This increase is near the long-run average but reflects heightened cost conditions that could squeeze margins if not managed effectively. Concurrently, the prices received index modestly increased, suggesting that firms are somewhat able to pass these costs onto consumers, but not entirely.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the survey’s future indicators, although slightly declined, still paint an optimistic picture for the next six months. The future general activity index, despite a drop, shows that a larger proportion of firms anticipate an increase in activity compared to those expecting a decrease. This optimism extends to projections for new orders and shipments, although at a moderated pace.

Interestingly, the future employment index saw an improvement, hinting at potential recovery in hiring intentions. This could be crucial in addressing the current employment declines and supporting anticipated increases in production.

Special Focus: Wages and Compensation

The survey included special questions about changes in wages and compensation. Over the past three months, 31.3% of firms reported increases in these costs, reflecting the broader inflationary pressures affecting the economy. Most firms have not adjusted their 2024 budgets for wages and compensation, indicating a wait-and-see approach in financial planning. However, a notable fraction of firms plan to increase wages more than initially planned, highlighting the competitive pressures to attract and retain talent amid a tight labor market.

Strategic Implications for Businesses

Manufacturing firms should remain vigilant of the ongoing cost pressures and labor market dynamics. Strategic planning should consider potential cost escalations and explore efficiencies in production processes. Additionally, firms must assess their workforce strategies to address the hiring challenges and plan for wage adjustments that align with market conditions and company performance.

Overall, the April 2024 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey presents a mixed but cautiously optimistic view of the manufacturing sector. While current conditions show improvement, the challenges in employment and rising costs are critical areas that require careful management to sustain growth and competitiveness in the evolving economic landscape.

Source: https://www.philadelphiafed.org/surveys-and-data/regional-economic-analysis/mbos-2024-04


Start futures forex fx news trading with Haawks G4A low latency machine-readable data, one of the fastest machine-readable news trading feeds for US macro-economic and commodity data.

Please let us know your feedback. If you are interested in timestamps, please send us an email to sales@haawks.com.

Comment

Share

Comment

Share

57 pips potential profit in 46 seconds on 10 April 2024, analysis on futures forex fx low latency news trading USDJPY and EURUSD on US BLS CPI (Consumer Price Index) data

According to our analysis USDJPY and EURUSD moved 57 pips on US BLS CPI (Consumer Price Index) data on 10 April 2024.

USDJPY (25 pips)

EURUSD (32 pips)

Charts are exported from JForex (Dukascopy).


March 2024 Consumer Price Index Summary

The latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March 2024 sheds light on current economic conditions, indicating both continuity and change in the inflation landscape. As consumers and analysts alike scrutinize these figures, it's crucial to unpack the nuances of the data to understand its implications for the economy, businesses, and everyday Americans.

CPI Overview for March 2024

In March 2024, the CPI for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) experienced a 0.4 percent increase on a seasonally adjusted basis, mirroring the rise observed in February. Looking at the bigger picture, the all items index escalated by 3.5 percent over the last 12 months before seasonal adjustment, marking a notable trend in inflationary pressures.

The primary drivers of the monthly inflation increase were the shelter and gasoline indexes, which collectively contributed to more than half of the overall rise in the index for all items. Specifically, the energy index saw a 1.1 percent uplift, while food prices edged up by 0.1 percent. Notably, the food at home index remained stagnant, but the food away from home index climbed by 0.3 percent.

Key Components and Sectoral Impacts

  • Shelter and Energy: The shelter index continued its upward trajectory, alongside a significant 1.1 percent increase in the energy index. Gasoline prices, in particular, rose by 1.7 percent, reflecting broader energy market trends.

  • Food Index: The marginal 0.1 percent rise in the food index, coupled with a stable food at home index, suggests moderate food price inflation. However, the food away from home index's 0.3 percent increase points to costlier dining out experiences.

  • Core Inflation: Excluding food and energy, the core CPI rose by 0.4 percent for the third consecutive month. This consistent growth in core inflation underscores persistent inflationary pressures beyond volatile food and energy prices.

Yearly Inflation Trends

The 12-month overview reveals a 3.5 percent rise in the all items index, accelerating from the 3.2 percent increase ending February. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, climbed by 3.8 percent over the past year, indicating sustained inflationary pressure. Energy and food indexes rose by 2.1 percent and 2.2 percent, respectively, highlighting varied inflation dynamics across sectors.

Looking Ahead

The CPI data for March 2024 illustrates ongoing inflationary pressures within the U.S. economy, with significant contributions from shelter, energy, and certain food categories. While some sectors like used cars and trucks saw price decreases, the general trend indicates that inflation remains a concern.

For consumers, this means budgeting for higher costs in housing, energy, and dining out. Businesses, particularly in the energy, food service, and insurance sectors, will need to navigate these inflationary pressures carefully, balancing cost increases with consumer affordability.

As we move forward, monitoring these trends will be crucial for policymakers, businesses, and consumers alike to make informed decisions in an evolving economic landscape. The next CPI report, scheduled for release in May 2024, will be eagerly anticipated for further insights into inflationary trends and their potential implications.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm


Start futures forex fx news trading with Haawks G4A low latency machine-readable data, one of the fastest machine-readable news trading feed for US economic and commodity data.

Please let us know your feedback. If you are interested in timestamps, please send us an email to sales@haawks.com.

Comment

Share

Comment

Share

12 pips potential profit in 15 seconds on 21 March 2024, analysis on futures forex fx low latency news trading USDJPY and EURUSD on US Jobless Claims and US Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing data

According to our analysis USDJPY and EURUSD moved 12 pips on US Jobless Claims and US Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey data on 21 March 2024.

USDJPY (9 pips)

EURUSD (3 pips)

Charts are exported from JForex (Dukascopy).


Unpacking the March 2024 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey Insights

The latest Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey, with responses gathered between March 11 and March 18, 2024, offers a nuanced view of the manufacturing sector's current health and its prospects. The survey, a bellwether for manufacturing trends, presents a mix of cautious optimism and areas of concern, reflecting the complex dynamics influencing the sector. Let’s delve into the key takeaways and what they mean for the industry moving forward.

Modest Growth Amidst Challenges

The survey underscores a continued expansion in manufacturing activity, albeit at a pace that suggests caution among industry players. The general activity index, a key measure of manufacturing health, recorded a slight dip to 3.2 in March, marking its second consecutive positive reading but highlighting a tempered outlook among firms. This modest growth is further evidenced by the positive turn in new orders, with the index rising to 5.4, and a slight uptick in shipments.

However, not all indicators are positive. The employment index remained in negative territory at -9.6, suggesting ongoing challenges in workforce dynamics. Moreover, both price indexes for inputs and outputs have decreased, remaining below long-run averages, pointing to a complex pricing environment faced by manufacturers.

Current Indicators and Future Outlook

While current indicators reflect a mixed bag of modest growth and persisting challenges, the future outlook provides a brighter picture. The future general activity index leapt to 38.6, the highest since July 2021, indicating stronger expectations for growth in the coming months. This optimism is echoed in the significant increases in future new orders and shipments indexes, suggesting that firms are anticipating a rebound in demand.

Furthermore, the survey’s special questions reveal insights into production growth and capacity utilization, with a higher share of firms reporting an increase in production for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the last quarter of 2023. The median current capacity utilization rate remains stable, with most firms indicating slight to moderate constraints from labor supply but less concern from supply chains.

Implications for the Manufacturing Sector

The March 2024 survey paints a picture of a manufacturing sector at a crossroads. On one hand, the continued expansion and optimistic future expectations reflect the resilience and potential for growth within the industry. On the other, the challenges in employment and price pressures underscore the ongoing adjustments firms must navigate in a post-pandemic world.

For industry leaders, the key takeaway is the importance of strategic planning and flexibility. Investing in workforce development and technology can help mitigate employment challenges, while agile pricing strategies may address the volatile cost environment. Moreover, the positive future outlook suggests that firms should prepare for increased demand, making this an opportune time to review and enhance production capabilities.

Looking Ahead

As the manufacturing sector continues to navigate through a landscape marked by both opportunities and challenges, the insights from the March 2024 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey offer valuable guidance. By understanding the current trends and future expectations, manufacturers can better position themselves for growth, adapting to the evolving market dynamics with resilience and strategic foresight.

Source: https://www.philadelphiafed.org/surveys-and-data/regional-economic-analysis/mbos-2024-03


Start futures forex fx news trading with Haawks G4A low latency machine-readable data, one of the fastest machine-readable news trading feeds for US economic and commodity data.

Please let us know your feedback. If you are interested in timestamps, please send us an email to sales@haawks.com.

Comment

Share

Comment

Share

20 pips potential profit in 19 seconds on 12 March 2024, analysis on futures forex fx low latency news trading USDJPY and EURUSD on US BLS CPI (Consumer Price Index) data

According to our analysis USDJPY and EURUSD moved 20 pips on US BLS CPI (Consumer Price Index) data on 12 March 2024.

USDJPY (12 pips)

EURUSD (8 pips)

Charts are exported from JForex (Dukascopy).


Understanding the February 2024 Consumer Price Index Report: A Deep Dive

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February 2024 was released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), marking an essential gauge for economists, policymakers, and consumers to understand the current economic climate and inflation trends. The CPI measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. Let's dive into the details of the February 2024 report to unpack what it means for the economy and individuals.

February 2024 CPI Highlights

In February 2024, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) saw a seasonally adjusted increase of 0.4 percent, following a 0.3 percent rise in January. This incremental change points to a persistent upward pressure on prices across a broad array of goods and services. Over the past 12 months, the all items index has risen by 3.2 percent before seasonal adjustment, indicating a slight acceleration in inflationary pressures.

Key Contributors to the February Increase

Several key components contributed to the February rise in the CPI-U:

  • Shelter and Gasoline: The indexes for shelter and gasoline saw significant increases in February, together accounting for over sixty percent of the monthly rise in the all items index. This combination of higher housing and fuel costs can strain household budgets.

  • Energy: The energy index increased by 2.3 percent, with all its component indexes also on the rise, adding to the overall inflationary pressure.

  • Food: Interestingly, the food index remained unchanged in February, with both the food at home and food away from home indexes showing little to no growth. This stability in food prices offers a slight reprieve amidst the broader inflationary trends.

Annual Perspective

Looking at the annual figures, the all items index increased by 3.2 percent over the 12 months ending February 2024, a notch above the 3.1 percent increase for the year ending in January. Notably, the energy index decreased by 1.9 percent over this period, providing a mixed picture of the inflationary landscape.

Analyzing the Numbers: What This Means for You

The February 2024 CPI report underscores ongoing inflationary pressures within the U.S. economy. For consumers, the rise in shelter and gasoline prices could lead to higher living expenses, affecting budgets and spending habits. On the flip side, the stabilization in food prices, albeit temporary, offers some relief.

For policymakers, the report's insights into inflationary trends are crucial for shaping monetary policy and interest rate decisions. The data presents a balancing act between stimulating economic growth and curbing inflation to maintain price stability.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward into 2024, all eyes will be on the evolving economic indicators and their implications for inflation, consumer spending, and monetary policy. The Consumer Price Index, as a primary measure of inflation, will continue to play a pivotal role in these discussions. The next CPI report, scheduled for release in April 2024, will be eagerly awaited for further clues on the direction of the U.S. economy.

In summary, the February 2024 CPI report highlights the nuanced landscape of inflationary pressures facing the U.S. economy. While certain sectors like energy and shelter are driving price increases, the overall picture is complex, with stabilizing food prices providing a counterbalance. Understanding these dynamics is essential for navigating the economic challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm


Start futures forex fx news trading with Haawks G4A low latency machine-readable data, one of the fastest machine-readable news trading feed for US economic and commodity data.

Please let us know your feedback. If you are interested in timestamps, please send us an email to sales@haawks.com.

Comment

Share

Comment

Share

34 pips potential profit in 14 seconds on 8 March 2024, analysis on forex fx futures news trading USDJPY and EURUSD on US Employment Situation (Non-farm payrolls/NFP) data

According to our analysis USDJPY and EURUSD moved around 34 pips on US Employment Situation (Non-farm payrolls / NFP) data on 8 March 2024.

USDJPY (22 pips)

EURUSD (12 pips)

Charts are exported from JForex (Dukascopy).


Analyzing the February 2024 Employment Situation: A Closer Look

The latest Employment Situation Summary released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides a comprehensive overview of the labor market in February 2024. In a month that saw a mix of growth and challenges, the total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 275,000 jobs. However, the unemployment rate edged up to 3.9 percent. This post delves into the key findings from the report and what they signify for the U.S. economy.

Job Growth Across Sectors

February's job gains were notable in several sectors, indicating the economy's resilient areas. Health care led the way with 67,000 new jobs, continuing its trend of robust growth. The government sector also saw a significant increase, adding 52,000 jobs, with local and federal levels both contributing to this growth. Additionally, food services and drinking places bounced back with 42,000 jobs, and the social assistance sector added 24,000 jobs. The transportation and warehousing sector, despite recent fluctuations, increased by 20,000 jobs, showcasing some recovery in logistics and delivery services.

Unemployment and Labor Force Participation

The unemployment rate's slight increase to 3.9 percent, coupled with an addition of 334,000 unemployed individuals, signals some underlying challenges. Despite the job gains, the rise in unemployment suggests that more people are entering or re-entering the job market but not all are finding employment immediately. The labor force participation rate remained steady at 62.5 percent, indicating a stable but cautious optimism among workers.

Demographic Insights

The report provides detailed insights into unemployment rates across various demographic groups. Notably, adult women and teenagers saw an increase in unemployment rates, while rates for adult men, Whites, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics showed little or no change. These differences underscore the uneven impacts of economic changes on different parts of the population.

Wages and Working Hours

Average hourly earnings saw a modest increase of 5 cents to $34.57, following a more substantial increase in January. This slow growth in wages, combined with a slight increase in the average workweek for all employees to 34.3 hours, suggests that while employment is growing, wage inflation might be cooling off, which could have implications for overall consumer spending and inflation.

Revisions and Forward Look

The BLS also revised the job growth figures for December and January downwards, suggesting that the job market was slightly less robust than initially thought in the closing months of the previous year. These revisions are a reminder of the volatility and unpredictability inherent in labor market data.

Conclusions

The February 2024 Employment Situation Summary paints a picture of a labor market that is still expanding but facing new challenges as it adapts to a changing economic landscape. The increase in the unemployment rate, despite significant job gains, indicates a growing workforce and potentially more people searching for better opportunities. As we look ahead, the labor market's resilience will be tested by various factors, including inflation, policy changes, and global economic trends. Stakeholders, from policymakers to businesses to individual workers, will need to stay informed and adaptable to navigate these changes successfully.

The next employment situation report, due in April, will be highly anticipated for further insights into the labor market's trajectory as we move deeper into 2024.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm


Start forex fx futures news trading with Haawks G4A low latency machine-readable data today, one of the fastest news data feeds for US economic and commodity data.

Please let us know your feedback. If you are interested in timestamps, please send us an email to sales@haawks.com.

Comment

Share

Comment

Share

95 pips potential profit in 89 seconds on 2 February 2024, analysis on forex fx futures news trading USDJPY and EURUSD on US Employment Situation (Non-farm payrolls/NFP) data

According to our analysis USDJPY and EURUSD moved around 95 pips on US Employment Situation (Non-farm payrolls / NFP) data on 2 February 2024.

USDJPY (55 pips)

EURUSD (40 pips)

Charts are exported from JForex (Dukascopy).


The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Employment Situation Summary for January 2024, showing significant job growth and stable unemployment rates. Here are the key points:

  • Total Nonfarm Payroll Employment Increase: In January, there was an increase of 353,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 3.7 percent. This continues the trend of job growth across various sectors, notably in professional and business services, health care, retail trade, and social assistance. However, there was a decline in employment within the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry.

  • Household Survey Data: The unemployment rate remained constant at 3.7 percent for the third consecutive month, with the number of unemployed individuals slightly changing to 6.1 million. Unemployment rates among major worker groups, including adult men, women, teenagers, Whites, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics, showed minimal or no change in January. Long-term unemployment (jobless for 27 weeks or more) also remained stable, accounting for 20.8 percent of the unemployed.

  • Labor Force Participation: The labor force participation rate was unchanged at 62.5 percent, and the employment-population ratio slightly varied at 60.2 percent, indicating little to no change over the year. Additionally, 4.4 million individuals were employed part-time for economic reasons, with the number of people not in the labor force but wanting a job remaining at 5.8 million.

  • Establishment Survey Data: Job gains were observed in several sectors, with professional and business services adding 74,000 jobs, health care employment rising by 70,000, and retail trade employment increasing by 45,000. However, the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry saw a decrease in employment by 5,000.

  • Earnings and Workweek: Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 19 cents to $34.55, marking a 4.5 percent increase over the past 12 months. The average workweek for all employees decreased by 0.2 hour to 34.1 hours in January.

  • Revisions: The employment figures for November and December were revised, showing that employment was 126,000 higher than previously reported. The next Employment Situation release is scheduled for March 8, 2024.

This report reflects a robust job market, with significant employment gains in various sectors and stable unemployment rates, contributing to the overall health of the U.S. economy.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm


Start forex fx futures news trading with Haawks G4A low latency machine-readable data today, one of the fastest news data feeds for US economic and commodity data.

Please let us know your feedback. If you are interested in timestamps, please send us an email to sales@haawks.com.

Comment

Share

Comment

Share

74 pips potential profit in 62 seconds on 5 January 2024, analysis on forex fx futures news trading USDJPY and EURUSD on US Employment Situation (Non-farm payrolls/NFP) data

According to our analysis USDJPY and EURUSD moved around 74 pips on US Employment Situation (Non-farm payrolls / NFP) data on 5 January 2024.

USDJPY (50 pips)

EURUSD (24 pips)

Charts are exported from JForex (Dukascopy).


The December 2023 Employment Situation Summary, released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, presents a comprehensive overview of the United States labor market for that month. Key points include:

  1. Nonfarm Payroll Employment Increase: There was an increase of 216,000 jobs, with notable growth in government, health care, social assistance, and construction sectors. However, there were job losses in transportation and warehousing.

  2. Stable Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate remained constant at 3.7 percent.

  3. Unemployment Statistics by Group: Unemployment rates for various demographic groups, including adult men and women, teenagers, and different ethnic groups, showed little change.

  4. Long-term Unemployment: The count of long-term unemployed people (jobless for 27 weeks or more) stood at 1.2 million, making up 19.7 percent of all unemployed persons.

  5. Labor Force Participation: Both the labor force participation rate and the employment-population ratio saw a minor decrease of 0.3 percentage points.

  6. Part-Time and Marginal Employment: About 4.2 million individuals were employed part-time for economic reasons. There was a slight increase in the number of people not in the labor force who wanted a job, reaching 5.7 million.

  7. Sector-Specific Employment Trends: Increases in employment were observed in local and federal government, health care, and construction. On the other hand, transportation and warehousing sectors experienced a decline.

  8. Earnings and Work Hours: Average hourly earnings rose by 15 cents, with a year-over-year increase of 4.1 percent. The average workweek for all employees decreased slightly.

  9. Data Revisions: The report included downward revisions for job gains in October and November, with a combined reduction of 71,000 jobs from previous estimates.

Overall, the report indicates a continued increase in employment across several sectors with a stable unemployment rate, offering a detailed snapshot of the U.S. labor market as of December 2023.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm


Start forex fx futures news trading with Haawks G4A low latency machine-readable data today, one of the fastest news data feeds for US economic and commodity data.

Please let us know your feedback. If you are interested in timestamps, please send us an email to sales@haawks.com.

Comment

Share