๐๐ธ#USJobsData ๐ธ๐
๐ธ As of early January 2026, the latest U.S. jobs data reflects a labor market that slowed markedly throughout 2025, characterized by minimal hiring and rising unemployment amid economic uncertainty.
๐ธ The most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employment Situation report, covering November 2025 (released in December due to prior delays from a federal government shutdown), showed nonfarm payrolls increasing by just 64,000 jobs, following a 105,000 decline in October largely driven by federal job cuts.
๐ธ Overall job growth averaged around 55,000 per month through November, down sharply from over 200,000 monthly gains in 2024. The unemployment rate stood at 4.6% in November, the highest since mid-2021 and up from earlier in the year.
๐ธ Much of the limited hiring concentrated in healthcare, which accounted for nearly all net gains in private education and health services, while cyclical sectors like manufacturing and retail stagnated or declined.
๐ธ Weekly jobless claims ended the year low, signaling few layoffs, but the "no hire, no fire" dynamic persisted as employers hesitated amid policy shifts, AI adoption, and trade concerns.
๐ธ The December 2025 report, scheduled for release on January 9, 2026, is anticipated to show modest gains around 60,000 jobs, capping one of the weakest years for employment growth in over a decade.
๐ธ Economists forecast unemployment peaking near 4.5-4.6% early in 2026 before potential improvement later, supported by expected rate cuts and fiscal measures.
๐ธ Despite challenges, the market remains resilient with low layoffs and steady wage growth above pre-pandemic norms.
