The United States economy unexpectedly lost jobs in July, which may affect Federal Reserve decisions. Nonfarm payrolls decreased by 23,000 jobs, contrary to economist expectations for growth. The unemployment rate fell to 4.1 percent as labor force participation declined further. Financial markets had anticipated a September interest rate increase from the central bank.

A summer hiring slump dogged the US labor market in July as the economy unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs, according to new data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

June US nonfarm payrolls rose just 57,000 versus 115,000 expected, pushing rate hike odds below 20% and reshaping investor expectations for Fed