According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American economy unexpectedly shed 23,000 jobs in July 2026, after a gain of 20,000 jobs in June, a figure revised downward, as forecasts had anticipated an increase of 80,000 jobs.
Employment data for May and June were also revised downward. Taken together, these revisions show that total employment was 103,000 below the initially published estimates.
In July, employment in local public education declined by 50,000 positions, while retail trade lost 19,000 jobs. This drop primarily affected warehouse clubs, big-box retailers and other general merchandise outlets, with 21,000 positions eliminated, as well as gas stations and fuel distributors, which lost 5,000 jobs.
