Part 5/12:
The pattern of downward revisions isn't isolated. The cumulative data for May through July shows only about 106,000 new jobs added over three months—barely enough to compensate for natural workforce attrition. Economists estimate that the U.S. needs approximately 80,000 to 100,000 new jobs each month just to keep pace with population growth. Falling short indicates a slowing labor market that could be under considerable stress.