The U.S. Department of Labor today reported the American economy added 130,000 non-farm payrolls in January, much higher than 48,000 in December (downwardly revised) and well above forecasts of up 55,000. It is the highest NFP figure since December 2024.
Meanwhile, the department reported that total U.S. non-farm employment growth for the year 2025 was revised down to +181,000 from +584,000, implying average monthly job gains of just 15,000. This is well below the previously reported 49,000. The overall unemployment rate dropped to 4.3% in January, from 4.4% in the December report. “This report is a blockbuster,” summed up one analyst.
