US SHOCKS WITH 23,000 JOB LOSSES IN JULY The US economy unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs in July, far below forecasts for an 83,000 gain. June’s increase was also revised down to just 20,000 jobs. Despite the weakness, unemployment unexpectedly fell from 4.2% to 4.1%. The disappointing report raises fresh concerns about the labor market and could complicate the Federal Reserve’s rate decisions as policymakers balance weaker employment against persistent inflation.(*Walter Bloomberg)