U.S. job growth slowed more than expected in July while the prior month's data was revised sharply lower, pointing to a sharp moderation in the labor market. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 73,000 jobs last month after rising by a downwardly revised 14,

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell repeatedly described the labor market as solid and balanced at his press conference on Wednesday after the Fed held rates at 4.25%-4.50%. Still, he acknowledged there are downside risks.

The July payroll gain was narrowly based. Private education and health sector jobs climbed by 79,000, but most other categories were either down or showed modest increases. Manufacturing payrolls fell for a third straight month,