U.S. job growth blows past forecasts, setting stage for Fed rate hikes
The US economy added 172,000 jobs in May, significantly exceeding economist forecasts and keeping the unemployment rate at 4.3%. This strong labor data has increased expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate hikes, putting pressure on crypto and equity markets.
Why it matters
Stronger-than-expected job growth influences Federal Reserve policy, which dictates global borrowing costs and market sentiment.
Share Share this article Copy link X icon X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook Email U.S. job growth blows past forecasts, setting stage for Fed rate hikes Bitcoin is now facing another headwind — the prospect of higher interest rates. By James Van Straten , Krisztian Sandor | Edited by Stephen Alpher Jun 5, 2026, 12:57 p.m. 1 min read Make preferred on What to know : The U.S. economy added 172,000 jobs in May, more than double economist forecasts of 85,000. The unemployment rate came in at 4.3%, in line with expectations. Bitcoin remained lower for the session at $61,900 following the report. The U.S. economy added 172,000 jobs in May, nearly double economists expectations, strengthening the case for Federal Reserve rate hikes this year.
The article reports on economic data and its direct impact on financial markets without political bias.
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