Loading...
US payrolls stabilized to add 227,000 in November following October disruptions from weather and strike events. The pace of job growth in the second half of 2024 now averages 137,000, below 2019 levels but consistent with healthy gains and an economy near full-employment.
The unemployment rate edged up to 4.2% reflecting a rise in permanent job losses, yet layoffs remain subdued overall and initial unemployment claims have not risen in tandem. Labor force exits jumped in November, likely driven by ongoing retirements, underscoring demographic challenges even as new entrants continue to add to the workforce.
The US labor market remains on healthy footing heading into year end. Looking ahead, signals of rising confidence among businesses and job-seekers bring cautious optimism to our 2025 labor market outlook. Moreover, reduced uncertainty post-election and Federal Reserve interest rate cuts will help lift hiring demand and maintain labor market’s strength.
• November payrolls added 227,000 jobs, recovering from October’s weather and strike disruptions, with payrolls growing broadly across sectors.
• The une
Members of The Conference Board get exclusive access to Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead® through publications, Conferences and events, webcasts, podcasts, data & analysis, and Member Communities.
March Payrolls: The Calm Before the Tariff Storm
April 04, 2025
February Jobs Report Hints at Growing Uncertainty
March 07, 2025
Q4 ECI Wage Deceleration Slows
February 07, 2025
Stability Underneath January’s Noisy Jobs Report
February 07, 2025
Robust Job Gains Close 2024
January 10, 2025
Storms and Strikes Muddy October Jobs Report
November 01, 2024
Email
Linkedin
Facebook
Twitter
Copy Link