How the latest job report could influence NC voters
The latest job report revealed job growth has slowed down -- as many experts expected.
Just 12,000 jobs were added last month. That's the smallest gain since 2020. This is also significantly lower than the 223,000 jobs added in September.
Economist Mike Walden said the report is a special case due to special circumstances, pointing to the aftermath of two major hurricanes, Helene and Milton, plus strikes at Boeing.
This is the final jobs report ahead of Election Day where contests can be decided based on how well the economy is doing. Some North Carolinians have expressed that the economy and inflation are driving factors in this election.
Walden told ABC11 that voters will probably hear ads point to the lack of job growth and "maybe try to play up the negative part of this."
"But to an economist, this number was expected and furthermore, we are still seeing the economy grow," he said. "This is a special situation due to special factors that are outside, really, the control of anyone."
Walden anticipates things will turn around quickly, pointing to a low unemployment rate of 4.1%.