Since unemployment was higher than expected and is potentially nearing a cycle high, the CME FedWatch tool reported that bets for a Fed interest rate cut in September improved to 87% on August 1 from 38% on July 31. The Fed held interest rates unchanged at a range of 4.25% to 4.50% on July 30, but not every voting member agreed.

U.S. employers added just 73,000 jobs in July and the May and June numbers were revised sharply lower, boosting the chances of a September rate cut.

Surprisingly weak July hiring data released on Friday highlighted a fractious Federal Reserve debate over whether the central bank should have cut interest rates when it met this week, as it offered some support to those who’d favored an easing in borrowing costs.