The September job report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics was unexpectedly positive, with an increase of 254,000 jobs, surpassing expectations of 140,000. The unemployment rate also dropped to 4.05%, lower than the anticipated 4.2%, marking the lowest level since May.
Previous months' job figures were revised upwards, with July's count adjusted to 144,000 and August's to 159,000. Average wages rose by 0.4% month-over-month, exceeding the consensus of 0.3%, and year-over-year wage growth reached 4%, higher than the expected 3.8%.
These strong labor market indicators suggest that the Federal Reserve may need to reconsider its monetary policy strategy. Currently, there is speculation of two interest rate cuts of 25 basis points each in the upcoming November and December meetings. This data challenges the previously held view of some market participants who expected aggressive rate cuts before the end of the year.