Midwest Manufacturing Job Losses Drag Down Overall October Hiring Gains in South

The Midwest lost thousands of jobs in October, especially in manufacturing and leisure/hospitality sectors. The East North Central region cut 17,000 jobs.

Southern states saw a big hiring boom in October, adding 64,000 jobs.

Overall hiring in October (113,000) was lower than expected but higher than September.

Consumer spending has remained resilient, supporting jobs growth, but there are signs of softening in sectors like leisure/hospitality.

Wage growth slowed in October but remains above pre-pandemic levels. Job openings stayed high in September, indicating lingering labor shortages.