The June employment report shows a labor market that remains on relatively firm footing. Nonfarm payrolls were up more than expected in the month, though this was partially offset by downward revisions to gains from previous months. Total employment rose at 3% annual rate in the second quarter, though adjusting for a downtick in average weekly hours, the aggregate hours worked index was up only 2% in the quarter. While continued growth in employment is good for workers, it is coming as output (as measured by GDP) is at best stalled and is more likely contracting. This is likely to put further upward pressure on unit labor costs and downward pressure on productivity. That translates to lower profit margins, which peaked in Q3 2021 and have fallen in each of the last two quarters. Slowing top line growth and contracting margins leave plenty of room for earnings estimates to be revised lower. That’s a fundamental headwind for stocks moving forward.
