Employment data

The economy showed further signs of a slowdown as the unemployment rate edged up one-tenth of a point to 4.3%.

The private sector added only 54,000 jobs last month, payroll giant ADP reported, as the job market showed further signs of a slowdown.

Hourly earnings growth for small business employees fell to 2.58% last month, while job growth remained basically flat, according to Paychex.

The IRS collects data about new firms created and employee headcount. Those figures could help the BLS track how many workers are being hired and how many are let go.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics sharply revised downward the number of jobs added in May and June and the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2%.

The pace of growth in small business jobs and wages across the country stayed on an even keel in July, according to payroll provider Paychex.

Payroll giant ADP reported signs of improving employment trends in some sectors in July, with average pay up 4.4% year-over-year.

The jobs report beat expectations, while the unemployment rate dipped one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.1%.

Private sector employers cut 33,000 jobs in June, the first decline in over two years, while annual pay grew 4.4% year-over-year, payroll giant ADP reported.

Job and wage growth at small businesses remained stable in June, despite some moderation, payroll company Paychex reported.