US unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs in July

The U.S. unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs in July, signaling a weakening labor market as shoppers cope with an Iran-war-driven inflation surge. The figure marked a drop from 57,000 jobs added in June, while the unemployment rate fell slightly from 4.2% to 4.1% — remaining low by historical standards. The loss departs from 2026's generally resilient labor market, though recent GDP data showed strain; futures markets see about a 56% chance of a Fed rate hike next month.