🇺🇸 US Jobs Data Update — Today, Dec 17, 2025
November 2025 Jobs Report Released:
• Nonfarm payrolls added ~64,000 jobs — beating expectations and signaling some job growth in November.
• However, the labor market shows strain: unemployment rose to 4.6%, the highest level in over four years.
What’s Behind the Numbers:
• October data was revised to show a loss of ~105,000 jobs, mainly due to federal government workforce cuts following last year’s shutdown.
• Job gains were concentrated in healthcare, construction, and social assistance, while sectors such as transportation and warehousing saw declines.
• The higher unemployment rate reflects a cooling labor market and rising joblessness among teens and some demographic groups.
Market & Economic Reaction Today:
• U.S. stock indexes finished mostly lower as traders parsed the mixed signals from the jobs report.
• The data reinforces expectations that the Federal Reserve may hold rates steady or consider further moves later if labor weakness persists.
Bottom Line:
Today’s jobs data shows modest job growth but a softening employment landscape, with unemployment rising and the labor market losing momentum.
Investors and policymakers alike are watching closely for signs of broader economic direction.