Australia Adds Only 2,000 Jobs in June as Jobless Rate Hits 4.3%

Australia’s labour market showed further signs of cooling in June as employment grew by just 2,000 positions, far below the consensus forecast for a 20,000 increase, according to data released on Thursday. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.3% from 4.1% in May, overshooting economists’ expectations for no change. The participation rate inched higher to 67.1%, while a loss of 38,200 full-time jobs was offset by a 40,200 gain in part-time roles.