Job growth in Sept slows, clouds case for Fed rate hike

Washington

US employment growth unexpectedly slowed for the third straight month in September, which could make the Federal Reserve more cautious about raising interest rates.

Non-farm payrolls rose 156,000, down from a revised gain of 167,000 jobs in August, the Labor Department said on Friday.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected employers to add 175,000 jobs last month.

Fed chair Janet Yellen has said the economy needs to create less than 100,000 jobs a month to keep up with popula…