Nailea Rosales works behind a protective shield wearing a protective mask and gloves at the Morada Bay Beach Cafe in Islamorada, in the Florida Keys, during the new coronavirus pandemic, Monday, June 1, 2020. The Florida Keys reopened for visitors Monday after the tourist-dependent island chain was closed for more than two months to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
By Christopher Rugaber
The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May from 14.7 percent, and 2.5 million jobs were added — a surprisingly positive reading in the midst of a recession that has paralyzed the economy in the wake of the viral pandemic.
The May job gain suggests that businesses have quickly been recalling workers as states have reopened their economies.
Other evidence has also shown that the job market meltdown triggered by the coronavirus has bottomed out. The number of people applying for unemployment benefits has declined for nine straight weeks. And the total number of people receiving such aid has essentially leveled off.
The overall job cuts have widened economic disparities that have disproportionately hurt minorities and lower-educated workers. Though the unemployment rate for white Americans was 12.4 percent May, it was 17.6 percent for Hispanics and 16.8 percent for African-Americans.
Even with the surprising gain in May, it may take months for all those who lost work in April and March to find jobs. Some economists forecast the rate could remain in double-digits through the November elections and into next year.
Kory Kantenga, LinkedIn's Head of Economics, Americas, breaks down slowing hiring, the latest jobs numbers and how the midterms could reshape the labor market.
Rob Schroeder, Washington Bureau Chief at MarketWatch, breaks down Democrats' midterm sweep, Wall Street's reaction and what's next for Trump's economy.
Custom Truck One Source CEO Ryan McMonagle explains how AI data centers and power grid upgrades are fueling equipment demand as rental revenue jumps 20% higher.
Larry Cuculic, President and CEO of WorldHotels, explains Best Western's global rebrand, its new loyalty program and its strategy to compete with hotel giants.
Emily Ketchen, Lenovo's Chief Marketing Officer, discusses how Gen Z uses AI, what students expect from the technology and the future of AI-powered devices.
Christopher Zara, News Director at Fast Company, breaks down Apple's $114 billion quarter, its foldable iPhone and new CEO John Ternus' first big test.
Emily Peck, Axios reporter and co-author of Axios Markets, breaks down AI funding, Anthropic’s IPO and how the midterms could threaten data center investments.
