Analysts are forecasting modest job growth in August and the tepid report, due out later today, would provide little momentum to President Barack Obama's campaign -- a day after his speech to the Democratic convention.
U.S. employers likely added jobs last month, though probably not enough to push down the unemployment rate.
According to a survey by FactSet, the economy generated 135,000 jobs last month and the unemployment rate remained 8.3 percent. That's below the 163,000 jobs gained in July, but an improvement from meager hiring in the spring.
In last night's speech, Obama acknowledged incomplete progress in repairing the still-struggling economy and asked voters to remain patient.
But economists were encouraged yesterday after several reports suggested hiring could pick up in the coming months.
Today's unemployment and hiring figures will be among the most politically consequential of the campaign. They arrive just as the presidential race enters its final stretch. Jobs are the core issue, and the report could sway some undecided voters.
There will be two additional employment reports before Election Day Nov. 6. But by then, more Americans will have made up their minds.
First Coast News