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U.S. economy adds 157,000 jobs in July, slightly below expectations

Washington • The U.S. hiring spree continued in July as the economy added 157,000 jobs and unemployment fell slightly to 3.9 percent, the Labor Department reported Friday.

The U.S. economy has added jobs for a 94 consecutive months, a record streak that shows no signs of waning despite President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war. Many business leaders have warned the standoffs with China, the European Union and other major trading partners could cause layoffs if tariffs stay in place for an extended period of time.

Hiring remained solid in nearly every industry in July.