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Goldman Sachs

June 4, 2026

May Payrolls Preview

Daily UpdateMacro Economic IndicatorsOther

Goldman Sachs expects May nonfarm payrolls to rise by 60k, below the 85k consensus, with the unemployment rate steady at 4.3%. The forecast is weighed down by a decline in government hiring and slowing alternative data indicators.

Key Takeaways

  • 1.Goldman Sachs estimates May nonfarm payrolls increased by 60k, which is below the market consensus of 85k.
  • 2.The unemployment rate is expected to remain unchanged at 4.3% on a rounded basis, though there is a risk of it rounding up to 4.4% due to seasonality.
  • 3.Average hourly earnings are projected to rise by 0.4% month-over-month, driven by positive calendar effects.

Table of Contents

  • Arguing for a stronger report
  • Arguing for a weaker report
  • Mixed/neutral factors
  • The US Economics Team
  • Disclosure Appendix

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