#NFP Data Release – April 2025 Jobs Report

Today, May 2, 2025, the U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report will be released at 8:30 AM ET (5:30 PM Pakistan Time). This highly anticipated report will provide insight into the strength of the U.S. labor market and potential Fed policy moves.
Key Expectations:
New Jobs Added: Forecasted between 130,000 to 135,000, down from 228,000 in March
Unemployment Rate: Expected to remain steady at 4.2%
Average Hourly Earnings: Projected to rise by 0.3% MoM and 3.9% YoY
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Major Influencing Factors:
Tariffs & Trade Policy:
President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs (145% on Chinese goods) have created economic uncertainty, possibly weighing on hiring.
Government Layoffs:
Job cuts in federal departments, especially under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are impacting employment figures.
Weaker GDP & Business Caution:
U.S. GDP shrank 0.3% in Q1 2025, with businesses pulling back hiring due to tariff-related volatility.
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Market Impact:
A weaker NFP report may push the Federal Reserve toward interest rate cuts to support the economy.
Markets are on edge – the U.S. dollar, gold, and equities could all see volatility based on this release.
Gold prices have already rebounded ahead of the data, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.
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Summary:
A disappointing NFP report could confirm concerns about a slowing U.S. economy. Traders, investors, and policymakers are all watching closely – today’s release could set the tone for markets in May.