December Employment Report: U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls and Jobless Rate in Focus

The U.S. labor market snapshot arrives tonight at 21:30 UTC+8, bringing fresh data on December’s employment landscape. Market participants are bracing for the release of nonfarm payroll figures alongside the latest U.S. unemployment rate reading.

What to Watch

The December nonfarm employment figure is forecast at 60,000 new positions, marking a slowdown from November’s 64,000 jobs added. This monthly gauge captures hiring trends across private businesses, government entities, and all non-agricultural sectors throughout the country.

On the unemployment side, economists expect the U.S. unemployment rate to improve to 4.50%, down from December’s prior reading of 4.60%. This metric serves as a critical barometer for labor market health and often influences broader economic sentiment.

Background on the Report

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics routinely publishes this comprehensive employment report on the first Friday of each month, detailing month-over-month shifts in workplace staffing levels. The data pulls from surveys conducted across businesses and public agencies nationwide, providing policymakers, investors, and analysts with essential insights into labor market momentum.

As traders navigate early 2026, these figures could shape market reaction, particularly if actual numbers diverge significantly from consensus expectations.