Colombia’s national unemployment rate rose to 8.5% in July from 8.0% in June, according to the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE). The increase reflected slower job creation, particularly in urban areas and services, while employment growth failed to keep pace with the expanding working-age population. Construction and retail trade recorded the most pronounced job losses, while agriculture and public administration posted modest gains. The labor force participation rate remained relatively stable, but unemployment increased especially among younger workers and those in informal employment. Bogotá and Medellín saw larger increases than smaller municipalities. An earlier record put the July national rate at 8.1% and identified 8.5% as the rate for 13 cities and metropolitan areas; the latest report gives 8.5% as the national figure. That earlier record also showed 160,000 fewer unemployed people than a year earlier, a 6.9% decline, with unemployment at 10.1% among women and 6.7% among men. Economists said one month does not establish a trend, but policymakers and investors will monitor whether weaker hiring persists and affects consumer spending, interest-rate decisions and social spending.