According to U.S. labor data, December hiring fell short of expectations, with modest job growth concentrated in education and health services while unemployment edged lower.
The United States added 50,000 nonfarm jobs in December, below market expectations of a 60,000 increase, while the unemployment rate declined to 4.4%. Job gains were primarily driven by education and health services. Economists noted the weaker-than-expected hiring but anticipate improvement in 2026 amid proposed tax cuts, while highlighting ongoing economic uncertainties.