US Election Race Awaits Employment Data

Some economists warn that a weaker headline hiring figure in the wake of devastating Hurricane Helene could affect how people view economic conditions (Credit: AFP)

The United States unveils its monthly employment figures Friday -- a final major economic snapshot at the end of a razor-edge presidential election campaign in which cost-of-living issues have dominated voter concerns.

The Labor Department's report on hiring and unemployment will be closely scrutinized by the teams of both candidates -- Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump -- but the numbers will be distorted by fallout from devastating hurricanes and a major strike.