U.S. Job Growth Slows as Fed Maintains Caution

U.S. job creation eased for a third consecutive month, signaling cooling labor momentum. Economists expect only one rate cut before mid-2026 as inflation concerns persist. Technology and retail employers trimmed hiring plans, while wage growth plateaued across mid-income brackets. Federal Reserve officials emphasized inflation vigilance and labor tightness as policy priorities. Global markets reacted cautiously, anticipating weaker U.S. demand and slower consumption in export-linked economies over the next quarter.