Archive · 9 Jan 2026
US Labour Market Shows Mixed Signs
In December 2025, the US added fewer jobs than expected, which shows that hiring has been slowing down.
Even though the unemployment rate went down a little, this doesn't tell the whole story.
Some parts of the job market, like restaurants and healthcare, are doing okay, but other parts, like retail stores, are losing jobs.
This mixed news makes people wonder if the government should lower interest rates to help the economy grow.
US employers added 50,000 jobs in December 2025, below the expected 73,000.
Unemployment rate decreased to 4.4% from 4.5% in November 2025.
Job growth has slowed significantly over the past year.
Resilient sectors include restaurants, bars, health care, and social assistance.
Retail trade and warehouse clubs experienced job declines.
- Who
- US employers and workers
- What
- US job growth slowed with 50,000 jobs added in December 2025, unemployment rate fell to 4.4%
- When
- Data released on Friday, reflecting December 2025
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To assess the health of the labour market and potential Federal Reserve interest rate decisions
- Jobs Added in December 2025
- 50,000
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.4%
- Expected Job Growth
- 73,000
- November Job Growth
- 56,000 (revised)
- Resilient Sectors
- Restaurants, bars, health care, social assistance
- Declining Sectors
- Retail trade, warehouse clubs, supercentres
Sources
US labour productivity hits two-year high to 4.9% in Q3, inflationary pressures on wages eased
US job growth likely slowed in December as tariffs, AI weigh on hiring; unemployment rate likely dipped
US job growth slows as employers add 50,000 jobs in December, unemployment rate falls to 4.4% after weak year for hiring
U.S. Added Just 50,000 Jobs In December, Entertainment Industry Employment Falls
US job growth slows in December, but lower unemployment eases Fed concerns
Lower US unemployment rate strengthens case for longer Fed rate pause
