Economics

Falling Jobless Rate Is Set to Complicate Fed’s Inflation Fight

  • April jobs report expected to show solid gain in payrolls
  • Intense labor demand risks sparking further wage increases
Fed's Powell: Half-Point Hikes on Table in Next Couple of Meetings
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The U.S. unemployment rate probably fell to 3.5% in April, matching the lowest reading since the 1960s, and many economists expect it to keep declining -- potentially complicating the Federal Reserve’s fight against inflation.

The reason? Red-hot labor demand doesn’t appear to be cooling any time soon. Job openings and quits are back to fresh highs, and employment costs are growing at a record pace.