6th December 2024
Friday
This Friday, significant labor market data will be released from both Canada and the US. Canada is set to announce its Employment Change, highlighting job gains or losses, along with its latest Unemployment Rate. Meanwhile, the US will publish key indicators including Average Hourly Earnings m/m, Non-Farm Employment Change, and its Unemployment Rate, providing a comprehensive view of wage growth, job creation, and overall employment conditions. These updates are likely to influence market sentiment and policy expectations.
CAD - Employment Change
Employment Change Measures track the monthly variation in employment numbers. A higher-than-forecast 'Actual' figure is typically positive for the currency, as it indicates stronger job creation. Traders closely monitor this data because job growth is a crucial predictor of consumer spending, which significantly influences overall economic activity.
Canada's employment rose by 14,500 in October 2024, marking a slowdown from the 46,700 jobs added in September and falling short of the 25,000 jobs forecasted. Full-time employment grew by 25,600 positions, offsetting a decline of 11,200 part-time roles. Job gains were recorded in sectors such as business, building, and other support services (+28,700; +4.2%), educational services (+11,600; +0.8%), accommodation and food services (+12,200; +1.1%), and manufacturing (+9,700; +0.5%). However, losses were noted in finance, insurance, and real estate (-13,000; -0.9%), wholesale and retail trade (-8,300; -0.3%), and transportation and warehousing (-9,300; -0.9%). Regionally, Alberta (+13,000; +0.5%) and New Brunswick (+3,300; +0.8%) saw employment growth, while Prince Edward Island experienced a decline (-1,100; -1.2%).
TL;DR
- Total Employment:
- Increased by 14,500 in October, slower than September's 46,700 gain and below the forecast of 25,000.
- Full-Time vs. Part-Time:
- Full-time employment rose by 25,600 positions.
- Part-time employment declined by 11,200 roles.
- Sector Gains:
- Business/Support Services: +28,700 (+4.2%).
- Educational Services: +11,600 (+0.8%).
- Accommodation/Food Services: +12,200 (+1.1%).
- Manufacturing: +9,700 (+0.5%).
- Sector Losses:
- Finance/Insurance/Real Estate: -13,000 (-0.9%).
- Wholesale/Retail Trade: -8,300 (-0.3%).
- Transportation/Warehousing: -9,300 (-0.9%).
- Regional Highlights:
- Alberta: +13,000 (+0.5%).
- New Brunswick: +3,300 (+0.8%).
- Prince Edward Island: -1,100 (-1.2%).
The forecast stands at
24,700, compared to the previous outcome of
14,500.
CAD - Unemployment Rate
Unemployment Rate Measures represent the percentage of the workforce that is unemployed and actively seeking work from the previous month. A lower-than-forecast 'Actual' figure is generally favorable for the currency. Traders monitor this metric closely because, despite being a lagging indicator, the unemployment rate provides valuable insights into overall economic health, given that consumer spending is closely linked to labor market conditions.
Canada's unemployment rate remained steady at 6.5% in October 2024, defying expectations of a rise to 6.6% and easing concerns about the labor market's recent downturn. While the unemployed population increased slightly by 900 to 1,429,000, net employment grew by 14,500 to 20,596,900, though it fell short of the anticipated 25,000 gain. A significant drop in youth joblessness (-20,800 to 403,400) offset a rise in unemployment among the core-aged population (up 21,300 to 803,900), with little change among older workers. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate slipped to 64.8%, the lowest since January 2021.
TL;DR
- Unemployment Rate:
- Remained steady at 6.5% in October 2024, defying expectations of a rise to 6.6%.
- Unemployed Population:
- Increased slightly by 900 to 1,429,000.
- Net Employment:
- Grew by 14,500 to 20,596,900 but fell short of the forecasted 25,000 gain.
- Youth Unemployment:
- Dropped by 20,800 to 403,400.
- Core-Aged Unemployment:
- Increased by 21,300 to 803,900.
- Older Workers:
- Little change observed in unemployment numbers.
- Labor Force Participation Rate:
- Declined to 64.8%, the lowest since January 2021.
The forecast predicted an increase to
6.6%, compared to the actual outcome of
6.5%.
The next
Employment Change and Unemployment Rate figures will be announced on
Friday at
1:30 PM GMT.
USD - Average Hourly Earnings m/m
The Average Hourly Earnings m/m indicator measures the change in wages that businesses pay for labor, excluding the farming sector. If the 'Actual' figure exceeds the 'Forecast,' it generally benefits the currency. Traders pay close attention to this indicator because it acts as a leading indicator of consumer inflation; when businesses face higher labor costs, these increased expenses are often passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.
In August, average hourly earnings for all private nonfarm employees increased by 14 cents, or 0.4 percent, reaching $35.21, reflecting a 3.8 percent rise over the past year. Private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees saw a similar 0.4 percent increase, with earnings reaching $30.27. The average workweek for all private nonfarm employees edged up to 34.3 hours, while manufacturing overtime increased slightly. These wage and workweek gains came amid slower job growth and an unchanged unemployment rate of 4.2 percent.
TL;DR
Average Hourly Earnings | Increased by 14 cents (+0.4%) to $35.21. Up 3.8% YoY. |
Production & Nonsupervisory Wages | Increased by 0.4% to $30.27. |
Average Workweek | Increased to 34.3 hours. |
Manufacturing Overtime | Slight increase observed. |
Job Growth | Slower compared to previous trends. |
Unemployment Rate | Unchanged at 4.2%. |
The forecast stands at
0.3%, compared to the previous outcome of
0.4%.
USD - Non-Farm Employment Change
The Non-Farm Employment Change measures the change in the number of employed individuals in the economy during the previous month, excluding those in the farming sector. This indicator is crucial for currency traders because a higher-than-expected 'actual' figure compared to the 'forecast' typically signals a positive economic outlook, leading to currency appreciation. Job creation is a key leading indicator of consumer spending, which drives a significant portion of overall economic activity. Thus, strong employment figures often suggest a robust economy and can influence currency values accordingly.
In October 2024, U.S. employment data revealed minimal change, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by only 12,000 jobs, leaving the unemployment rate steady at 4.1%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment growth was observed in health care, which added 52,000 jobs, and government sectors, which grew by 40,000 jobs. However, manufacturing employment dropped by 46,000 due to strike activity, and temporary help services lost 49,000 jobs. Average hourly earnings rose by 0.4% to $35.46, marking a 4.0% increase over the past year. Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which impacted southeastern states, may have influenced October data collection rates, but their effect on national employment and earnings estimates remains unclear.
TL;DR
Nonfarm Payrolls | Increased by 12,000 jobs. |
Unemployment Rate | Steady at 4.1%. |
- Health Care | +52,000 jobs. |
- Government | +40,000 jobs. |
- Manufacturing | -46,000 jobs (due to strikes). |
- Temporary Help Services | -49,000 jobs. |
Average Hourly Earnings | Increased by 0.4% to $35.46 (+4.0% YoY). |
External Factors | Hurricanes Helene and Milton may have affected data collection, but national employment and earnings impacts remain unclear. |
The forecast projected
218,000 jobs, significantly higher than the actual outcome of
12,000.
USD - Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate measures the percentage of the workforce that is unemployed and actively seeking employment over the previous month. When the actual rate is lower than the forecasted rate, it is generally positive for the currency. Traders pay close attention to this figure because, despite being a lagging indicator, it reflects overall economic health and is closely linked to consumer spending. Additionally, the unemployment rate is crucial for shaping monetary policy, making it a key concern for policymakers and investors alike.
The U.S. unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1% in October 2024, despite disruptions from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the southeastern U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Total nonfarm payroll employment saw a slight increase of 12,000 jobs, with gains in health care (+52,000) and government (+40,000) offset by losses in temporary help services (-49,000) and manufacturing (-46,000), the latter impacted by strike activity. Average hourly earnings rose by 0.4% to $35.46, reflecting a 4.0% increase over the past year, while the average workweek remained stable at 34.3 hours. Although data collection was challenging in storm-affected areas, the BLS did not alter its estimation procedures.
TL;DR
- Unemployment Rate: Held steady at 4.1%.
- Nonfarm Payroll Employment: Increased by 12,000 jobs, a significant slowdown from the prior 12-month average gain of 194,000 jobs.
- Sector Employment Changes:
- Health Care: Added 52,000 jobs, aligning with the average monthly gain over the past year.
- Government: Grew by 40,000 jobs, consistent with recent trends.
- Temporary Help Services: Declined by 49,000 jobs.
- Manufacturing: Decreased by 46,000 jobs, primarily due to strike activity in the transportation equipment sector.
- Average Hourly Earnings: Rose by 0.4% to $35.46, marking a 4.0% increase over the past year.
- Average Workweek: Remained unchanged at 34.3 hours.
The
unemployment rate is projected to remain at
4.1%, consistent with the previous month's figure.
The upcoming release of key US labor market data, including
Average Hourly Earnings m/m, Non-Farm Employment Change, and the Unemployment Rate, is scheduled for
Friday at
1:30 PM GMT. These metrics are expected to provide critical insights into employment trends and economic performance.