US Nonfarm Payrolls Estimated at 85K, Will Cooling Jobs Data Boost Fed Rate Cut Hopes & Bitcoin?

Varinder Singh
Varinder Singh

Varinder Singh

Independent Sr. Journalist
Expertise : Bitcoin, Crypto, Global Macro, DeFi, Blockchain, Web3, US Stocks, AI, Regulations and Lawsuits, & More
Varinder is a seasoned leader in the fintech and crypto media with over 12 years of experience, including over 6 years dedicated to blockchain, crypto, and Web3 developments. He is known for covering high-impact and quality news stories for publishers such as CoinGape, The Coin Republic, and The Crypto Times, while perfecting and training multiple journalists during his tenure. Being a Master of Technology degree holder, analytics thinker, and tech enthusiast, he has shared his knowledge of disruptive technologies in over 6000 news articles and papers.
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US Nonfarm Payrolls Estimated at 85K, Will Cooling Jobs Data Boost Fed Rate Cut Hopes & Bitcoin?

Highlights

  • US economy is expected to have added 85,000 jobs in May 2026, lower than 115K last month.
  • Unemployment rate is projected to hold steady at 4.3%, but some expects a rise to 4.4%.
  • Bitcoin and crypto market bounced slightly amid hopes of no Fed rate hike.

Wall Street estimated US nonfarm payrolls at 85K, indicating cooling US jobs data after months of job gains. Moreover, the US unemployment rate is projected to hold steady at 4.3%.

While retail and institutional investors brace for volatility and uncertainty, a slowdown in job data could revive hopes of a Fed rate cut and Bitcoin rebound.

Wall Street Estimates on Nonfarm Payrolls, Unemployment Rate

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will release May’s US nonfarm payrolls and unemployment rate on June 5. This jobs data release could significantly impact Bitcoin price and the crypto market direction.

Wall Street estimated that Nonfarm payrolls would rise by 85K in May, reinforcing signs of sluggish labor market conditions. The US labor market has stayed resilient over the past few months, causing Federal Reserve officials to consider a Fed rate hike amid rising inflation concerns.

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate is projected to hold steady at 4.3%. Average hourly earnings are also expected to rise 0.3% for the month, causing the annual rate to slip from 3.6% to 3.4%.

Bitcoin price and the broader crypto market could recover recent losses if the jobs data show a slowing labor market. Notably, US initial jobless claims came in higher than expected recently amid low hiring and layoffs.

TD Securities analysts expect US nonfarm payrolls to register the lowest gain in 3 months at 60K in May. “We also anticipate the Unemployment Rate rate will edge higher for a second consecutive month to 4.4%,” it added.

Moreover, financial expert Mike Zaccardi estimates nonfarm payrolls rose by 60k in May, below the 85K consensus. He said, “Layoffs remained low between payroll survey weeks.”

May Nonfarm Payroll Reference Week
May Nonfarm Payroll Reference Week. Source: Mike Zaccardi

Bitcoin, Crypto Market Slightly Bounces amid Hopes of No Fed Rate Hike

Fed policymakers are becoming more hawkish as the new Chairman Kevin Warsh took office, with markets trimming bets on a Fed rate cut this year. Fed Logan and Hammick warned of a rate hike amid inflation concerns.

The CME FedWatch tool currently shows no Fed rate cuts but a 40% odds of a 25 bps Fed rate hike next March. President Donald Trump said US-Iran war peace negotiations were approaching their final stage. However, Iran-backed Hezbollah rejected a US-mediated ceasefire proposal between Israel and Lebanon.

The US dollar index (DXY) fell to 99.5 on Friday, with investors closely watching the US nonfarm payrolls report. Also, the 10-year Treasury yield stays near 4.47% amid increasing bets that the Fed will not cut rates next month.

Bitcoin price has recovered some losses over the past few hours, with the price currently trading near $62,500. The 24-hour low and high are $61,112 and $64,427, respectively. Top altcoins ETH and XRP are trading slightly higher amid the crypto options expiry.

Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more… to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

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About Author
About Author
Varinder is a seasoned leader in the fintech and crypto media with over 12 years of experience, including over 6 years dedicated to blockchain, crypto, and Web3 developments. He is known for covering high-impact and quality news stories for publishers such as CoinGape, The Coin Republic, and The Crypto Times, while perfecting and training multiple journalists during his tenure. Being a Master of Technology degree holder, analytics thinker, and tech enthusiast, he has shared his knowledge of disruptive technologies in over 6000 news articles and papers.