Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
U.S. job growth likely picked up moderately in September, even as the unemployment rate hovered around a four-year high of 4.3%. The latest labor market data, expected Thursday, is set to confirm a continued slowdown driven by weak worker supply and softening demand. Economists note that despite some improvement, the broader trend still points to a cooling labor market in 2025.
The report’s release was delayed following the historic 43-day government shutdown, which forced the Bureau of Labor Statistics to cancel October’s employment update. Because the household survey was not conducted, October’s payroll numbers will instead be combined with the November report scheduled for December 16. Prior to the shutdown, the BLS estimated that job creation for the year through March was overstated by roughly 911,000 positions, emphasizing the sharp loss of hiring momentum.
Economists surveyed by Reuters expect nonfarm payrolls to increase by about 50,000 jobs in September—more than double August’s 22,000 gain. Many believe August’s weak number reflected seasonal distortions and anticipate an upward revision. Still, hiring remains far below levels seen in previous years.
A significant factor behind slowing employment growth is reduced immigration, which began declining in the final year of President Biden’s term and accelerated under the Trump administration. The smaller labor pool means the U.S. only needs between 30,000 and 50,000 new jobs monthly to keep pace with population growth—down sharply from the estimated 150,000 needed in 2024.
Artificial intelligence is also reshaping the workforce by reducing demand for entry-level workers, leaving many recent graduates struggling to find employment. Some experts attribute additional weakness to uncertainty created by the Trump administration’s trade policies, which critics say have discouraged business expansion and hiring.
Despite overall job gains, certain industries—especially small and mid-sized businesses—are shedding workers. Economists warn that the September data could influence the Federal Reserve’s December policy meeting, particularly if signs of labor deterioration continue. While the Fed remains cautious about cutting interest rates further, a notably weak report could sway future decisions.
