U.S. Jobless Rate Eases to 4.2% as June Payroll Gains Fall Short

July 2 — The U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 4.2% in June, marking its lowest level since June 2025 and coming in below the 4.3% market forecast. June nonfarm payroll growth also disappointed. Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 57,000 for the month, well under expectations for a 110,000 increase.