What the Report Showed

1. Jobs Added Exceeded Expectations

U.S. employers added 119,000 jobs in September — more than double what economists had forecast (around 50 K). �

ABA Banking Journal

This marked a rebound after August’s job figures were revised down to show an actual loss of jobs. �

ABA Banking Journal

2. Unemployment Rate Increased

The unemployment rate rose to 4.4% in September, up from 4.3% in August and the highest level in nearly four years. �

Business Standard

That may seem contradictory given job gains — but it’s explained below. �

spokesman.com

3. Sector Breakdown

Healthcare, leisure & hospitality, and education services were among the biggest contributors to new jobs. �

ABA Banking Journal

Some sectors, like transportation & warehousing, and federal government jobs, actually saw declines. �

Bureau of Labor Statistics

4. Data Context

The report was delayed by a 43-day U.S. federal government shutdown, making this one of the first employment snapshots afterwards. �