Federal Reserve official Barkin said recent jobs data are disappointing but consistent with a weakly balanced labor market, marked by low hiring and low layoffs. He described the labor market as running from zero growth to modest growth. Barkin added that corporate profits remain strong and growing, and he is monitoring the link between corporate earnings and the labor market.

2026-08-07

Federal Reserve official Barkin said recent jobs data are disappointing but consistent with a weakly balanced labor market, marked by low hiring and low layoffs. He described the labor market as running from zero growth to modest growth. Barkin added that corporate profits remain strong and growing, and he is monitoring the link between corporate earnings and the labor market.