US loses 23,000 jobs in July, unemployment holds at 4.1%

The US unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs in July, extending a summer slowdown in hiring amid ongoing Middle East conflict, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.1 percent. June's gain was 57,000 jobs, below forecasts, and the previous two months' figures were revised down by 74,000. Economists had expected 83,000 new positions for July. Private employers added 44,000 jobs in July, job openings fell to 7.4 million, and the personal savings rate hit a four-year low, indicating broader economic strain.