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The US economy created 143,000 jobs in January, falling short of forecasts, but the preceding month’s bumper figure was revised upwards.
January’s figure from the Bureau of Labor Statistics undershot expectations of economists polled by Reuters of a 170,000 rise.
It contrasted with the 307,000 jobs added in December, which was up on the previous estimate of 256,000.
Friday’s jobs data comes just over a week after the US Federal Reserve kept rates on hold at 4.25 to 4.5 per cent, despite pressure from US President Donald Trump to lower borrowing costs.
Rate-setters are expected to cut rates just twice this year, with the US labour market’s enduring strength affording them the time to take a cautious approach to lowering borrowing costs.
This is a developing story
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