U.S. Payrolls Rise 50,000 in December, Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.4%

U.S. Payrolls Rise 50,000 in December, Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.4%

The U.S. labor market showed a mixed performance in December, with nonfarm payrolls rising by 50,000, less than the expected 73,000. The unemployment rate, however, fell to 4.4%, lower than the forecasted 4.5%.

According to the ^[1] CNBC report, the December jobs report was released on January 9, 2026. The report showed that the labor market added 50,000 jobs in December, which is a slower pace than the previous month. The unemployment rate, on the other hand, fell to 4.4%, indicating a strong labor market.

The mixed performance of the labor market can be attributed to various factors, including the ongoing impact of the pandemic and the recent economic downturn. However, the decline in the unemployment rate suggests that the labor market is still strong and resilient.

The December jobs report is a crucial indicator of the U.S. economy's performance, and it will have a significant impact on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions. The report will also influence the stock market and the overall economic outlook.

Key Takeaways

• Nonfarm payrolls rose by 50,000 in December, less than the expected 73,000.
• The unemployment rate fell to 4.4%, lower than the forecasted 4.5%.
• The labor market added 50,000 jobs in December, a slower pace than the previous month.
• The unemployment rate decline suggests a strong labor market.

Sources

[1] U.S. payrolls rose 50,000 in December, less than expected; unemployment rate falls to 4.4%