American businesses added fewer jobs in July than experts had predicted, with private payrolls up by just 44,000— the weakest increase this year. Conversely, job switchers enjoyed the steepest wage hikes in almost a year, reflecting a resilient labor market driven by substantial demand. This moderation gives Federal Reserve officials the leeway to concentrate on inflation worries.

Small businesses had boosted the private sector’s hiring rate in recent months.

Hiring at private companies slowed considerably in July, with most of the job growth coming health care.

American businesses added fewer jobs in July than experts had predicted, with private payrolls up by just 44,000— the weakest increase this year. Conversely, job switchers enjoyed…

It was the weakest month for new jobs since January, according to new data