Nonfarm payrolls were expected to increase by 80,000 in May while the unemployment rate held at 4.3%.

Unlike prior months, where job growth was concentrated in healthcare and a few other sectors, gains were more broad-based.

The US labor market appears to have found its footing: The economy added 172,000 jobs in May, shattering expectations, new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed Friday.

US unemployment holds steady at 4.3% with job growth exceeding expectations. Rate cut in 2026 at 6.5% YES.