U.S. Adds 50,000 Nonfarm Jobs in December, Missing Forecast
December 2026’s weak nonfarm payrolls report suggests a slowdown in job growth, reinforcing expectations that the Fed will maintain interest rates at its January meeting.
Summary
The U.S. economy added only 50,000 nonfarm jobs in December 2026, well below the forecast of 60,000. The private sector added 29,000 jobs over the past three months. This report supports predictions that the Federal Reserve will keep rates unchanged during its January 27–28 meeting.
Terms & Concepts
- Nonfarm jobs: Employment positions excluding farm workers, private household employees, and nonprofit organization workers, often used to assess general labor market trends.