Charting the Global Economy: US Employers Stay Cautious on Hires
US employers added fewer jobs than expected in December, capping a yearlong slowdown in the labor market.
Photographer: Luke Sharrett/BloombergThe US labor market showed few hints of changing from its low-hiring, low-firing cadence at the close of 2025.
The latest jobs report showed modest payrolls growth in December, while the unemployment rate edged down to 4.4%. The figures suggested employers are being patient about adding to headcount, but also largely steering clear of broad cutbacks.