Job growth totaled 73,000 for the month, above the June total of 14,000 but below even the meager Dow Jones estimate for a gain of 100,000. June and May totals were revised sharply lower, down by a combined 258,000 from previously announced levels.

The US job market slowed substantially in July and was much weaker than first estimated for prior months, suggesting President Donald Trump’s trade policy may be stifling hiring.

Jobs growth was slower than expected as the unemployment rate rose in July, leading to the firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer.