U.S. Economy Lost 23,000 Jobs in July While Unemployment Rate Fell

The U.S. shed 23,000 nonfarm payrolls in July 2026, the WSJ reported August 8 — against consensus forecasts for positive growth. Yet the unemployment rate ticked lower. The two figures come from different surveys — establishment (payroll counts) and household (jobless rate) — and diverge when labor force participation shifts. The dollar fell to a seven-week low; gold hit a seven-week high.