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Companies’ hiring stumbled in August, likely cementing expectations for a second straight Federal Reserve interest-rate cut as trade uncertainty and softer global growth weigh on the outlook.

Applications for U.S. unemployment benefits declined for the second time in three weeks, indicating the labor market is holding steadfast in the face of slower global demand and trade tensions.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits fell more than expected to a four-week low, as the labor market tightens further following the end of a five-week government shutdown.

WASHINGTON — U.S. employers posted the most jobs in two decades in August, and hiring also reached a record high, fresh evidence that companies are desperate to staff up amid solid economic growth.

The unemployment rate fell 0.1 percentage point in October to 4.1%, the lowest level since December 2000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics

Economic growth in recent weeks ranged from “slight to moderate” across the U.S. central bank’s regional districts as wages and inflation remained generally subdued, a Federal Reserve survey showed.

The U.S. labor market remains a bright spot in the economy as fewer Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, with hiring managers decrying a scarcity of available workers, Labor Department data showed June 8.

U.S. jobless-benefit claims remain low despite an increase last week, with the labor market otherwise exhibiting signs of continued tightening, Labor Department data showed June 1.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits fell for a third week in the past four, showing a resilient labor market.

For-hire trucking added 3,400 jobs in August, and the unemployment rate held steady at 4.9% as total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 151,000 in August, the Labor Department reported Sept. 2.