Employment Data Summary - In December 2025, the U.S. added 50,000 non-farm jobs, below the expected 60,000[2] - The unemployment rate decreased to 4.4%, lower than the expected 4.5%[2] - Total employment growth for 2025 was only 584,000, the weakest annual growth since 2020[2] Labor Market Insights - The number of unemployed individuals in December was 1.9 million, showing a year-on-year increase of 397,000[2] - The labor force participation rate was 62.4%, a slight decrease of 0.1% month-on-month[2] - The report indicates that the decline in the unemployment rate may be due to individuals giving up on job searches, with 6.2 million people not in the labor force but wanting to work[2] Sector Performance - Employment in the food service and bar industry rose by 27,000, with an average monthly increase of 12,000 jobs in 2025, up from 11,000 in 2024[2] - The healthcare sector added 21,000 jobs, with an average monthly increase of 34,000 in 2025, down from 56,000 in 2024[2] - Retail jobs decreased by 25,000 in December, with little change in average monthly employment for 2025 compared to 2024[2] Federal Reserve Outlook - The probability of the Federal Reserve maintaining current interest rates in January 2026 is over 95%, with a 95.6% chance according to CME models[2] - Market expectations for interest rate cuts have cooled, with June 2026 being the most likely time for a rate cut[2] Asset Market Reactions - Major asset classes showed limited volatility, with the 2-year U.S. Treasury yield around 3.53% and the dollar index rising above 99[2] - U.S. stock indices experienced gains, while gold prices returned to $4,500 per ounce[2] - The lack of consistent patterns in asset performance suggests minimal impact from the employment data, with prices continuing to follow their own trends[2] Economic Monitoring Recommendations - Increased attention is recommended for Q1 2026 economic data due to current asset classes being in a "awkward" position[2] - The performance of the Nasdaq since October 2025 indicates a narrowing trading range, suggesting a potential directional shift is approaching[2] - The ability of traditional economic sectors to drive growth amid declining AI investment expectations will be crucial for market dynamics[2] Risk Factors - Risks include unexpected intensification of U.S.-China tensions, geopolitical crises, and greater-than-expected global economic pressures[12]