US Unemployment Hits 4-Year High, Raising Concerns for Trump & Fed

• US unemployment rate climbed to a four-year high of 4.6% in November, up from 4.4% in September, signaling fresh strain in the labor market.
• The delayed Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed the US economy lost 105,000 jobs in October but added 64,000 in November, with October retail sales remaining flat.
• The rise in joblessness is seen as a significant concern for President Donald Trump's administration.
• The Federal Reserve faces deeper debate on interest rates, balancing the weakening job market against persistent inflation, having already cut rates three times this year.
• Economists caution the data is difficult to interpret due to delays and distortions, though it will likely intensify internal Fed discussions on future rate cuts.

Why It Matters: Rising unemployment to a 4-year high signals labor market strain, intensifying Fed debate and concern for Trump.