The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its "Employment Situation Summary" for the month of July. The unemployment rate rose to 8.3 percent, while nonfarm payroll employment increased by 163,000. Mark Thoma provides a good interpretation of today's news: "July jobs report emits mixed signals"
Total nonfarm payroll employment roes by 163,000 in July, and the unemployment rate was essentially unchanged at 8.3 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment rose in professional and business services, food services and drinking places, and manufacturing.