Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-12-07 06:26Core Insights - The U.S. labor market is expected to experience a "low-growth balance" in 2026, with a continued contraction in labor supply and a gradual stabilization in demand, maintaining low equilibrium employment levels [1][4] - The unemployment rate is likely to face upward pressure due to short-term factors such as tariff impacts, government layoffs, and the substitution effect of AI, with a threshold for triggering the "Sam Rule" estimated at approximately 4.7% [1][5] - The economic landscape is characterized by a "K-shaped" divergence, complicating Federal Reserve decision-making, as labor shortages may enhance labor share while surpluses could exacerbate economic disparities [1][5] Group 1: Employment Market Dynamics - Since mid-2025, the U.S. has seen a dramatic decline in non-farm employment, raising concerns about rising unemployment risks and the impact of AI on job markets [2] - The structural impact of AI on employment is evident but limited, with AI adoption rates increasing from 3.7% to 10% over two years, and layoffs primarily concentrated in high-exposure sectors [2][3] - The primary drivers of the employment market's reversal in 2025 include immigration policies and government layoffs, with illegal immigration net inflow decreasing by 1.6 to 2 million, explaining about 50% of the slowdown in non-farm employment [3] Group 2: Future Employment Outlook - In 2026, the labor supply is expected to continue contracting due to stringent immigration policies, while demand may stabilize as government layoffs pause and tariff impacts weaken [4] - The short-term labor demand remains a core issue, with the potential for the unemployment rate to rise, indicating a shortfall in labor demand [5] - The Federal Reserve faces a challenging environment, balancing the need for monetary easing in the short term against potential inflation risks in the medium term due to labor market conditions [5]