U.S. unemployment rate declines to 5.1% in August, 173,000 jobs are added

The U.S. Labor Department released the labour market data on Friday. The U.S. economy added 173,000 jobs in August, missing expectations for a rise of 220,000 jobs, after a gain of 245,000 jobs in July. July's figure was revised up from a rise of 215,000 jobs.

The increase was partly driven by a rise in health care and social assistance employment. Health care and social assistance sector added 56,000 jobs in August, construction added 3,000 jobs, while the manufacturing sector lost 17,000 jobs.

Financial activities sector rose by 19,000 jobs in August, professional and business services sector added 33,000 jobs, while mining and logging sector shed 10,000 jobs.

The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 5.1% in August from 5.3% in July, exceeding expectations for a decline to 5.2%. It was the lowest level since April 2008.

Average hourly earnings rose 0.3% in August, beating forecasts of a 0.2% gain, after a 0.2% increase in July.

The labour-force participation rate remained unchanged at 62.6% in August. It was the lowest level since October 1977.

These figures could mean that the Fed will not raise its interest rate this month.