US Wage Growth, Lower Unemployment Underpin Solid Jobs Market

  • Payrolls climbed 187,000 in July, somewhat less than forecast
  • Wages rose at a firm pace and unemployment unexpectedly fell
Photographer: Allison Joyce/Bloomberg
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US employment increased at a solid pace in July while wages rose at a faster-than-expected clip, consistent with sustained labor demand that’s at the root of renewed momentum in the economy.

Nonfarm payrolls increased 187,000 last month following a similar advance in June, a Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed Friday. The unemployment rate unexpectedly dropped to 3.5%, one of the lowest readings in decades.