U.S. Job Market Struggles Amid Economic Uncertainty

The U.S. job market showed signs of recovery in November with 64,000 new jobs, despite previous declines due to government spending cuts and economic uncertainty linked to President Trump's trade policies. However, the unemployment rate remained high as consumer spending reduced amid rising import prices.

U.S. job growth saw a rebound in November, adding 64,000 new positions, following October's losses influenced by government spending cuts. Despite the uptick, the labor market faces challenges, signaled by a 4.6% unemployment rate, amid economic uncertainty from President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported these numbers, noting a significant October downturn due to the exit of over 150,000 federal employees as part of the administration's efforts to downsize the government's reach. The impact of these policies was highlighted by the lack of data collection during the government's 43-day shutdown.

While November's job gains indicate potential recovery, economists caution that employer apprehension remains due to ongoing trade conflicts, which have inflated prices and curbed consumer spending. The Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points further reflects the persistent uncertainty in the labor market.

(With inputs from agencies.)