2025 was marked by relatively strong job growth in the first few months, followed by cooling, with some months showing net job losses after revisions.

Nonfarm payrolls likely rose by 73,000 last month while the unemployment rate edged lower to 4.5%, according to the Dow Jones consensus.

2025 was marked by relatively strong job growth in the first few months, followed by cooling, with some months showing net job losses after revisions.

Nonfarm payrolls were expected to rise by 73,000 in December as the unemployment rate moved lower to 4.5%.

Employment growth for the world's largest economy eased significantly last year.

“It’s fair to call this a hiring recession or a jobless boom,” said economist Heather Long.

The United States added 50,000 nonfarm jobs in December, fewer than was projected, the Bureau of Labor Statistics' jobs report published Friday.

EY Chief Economist Gregory Daco says businesses are generating growth with fewer workers and rising efficiency.