U.S. job growth slowed significantly in October, with only 12,000 jobs added, largely due to disruptions from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and strikes at Boeing and other companies. Despite these setbacks, the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%, providing some reassurance about the labor market's stability ahead of the presidential election. The Federal Reserve is expected to consider this report carefully, as the disruptions are seen as temporary. Meanwhile, consumer confidence has surged to its highest level since January 2024, indicating optimism among Americans about future economic conditions. This increase in consumer confidence is seen as a positive indicator for future economic growth, particularly in light of strong consumer spending supporting GDP growth in the third quarter of 2024. Overall, while the job market shows signs of slowing, consumer confidence suggests potential for continued economic resilience.