US economy added 943,000 jobs in July

Economic growth this year is seen around 7%, which would be the fastest since 1984.

A sign advertising job openings is seen outside of a Starbucks in Manhattan, New York City. Picture: Reuters

US job growth rose solidly in July amid demand for workers in the labour-intensive services industry, suggesting the economy maintained its strong momentum at the start of the second half.

Nonfarm payrolls increased by 943,000 jobs last month after rising 938,000 in June, the Labor Department said in its closely watched employment report on Friday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast payrolls increasing by 870,000 jobs.