The US experienced its weakest job creation since 2020 in 2025, with only 50,000 new jobs added in December, bringing the annual average to just 49,000 roles per month. Despite the slowdown, the unemployment rate dipped to 4.4%.

• The US economy grew at an annual rate of 4.3% over three months to September.
• The US Federal Reserve central bank cut its key lending rate three times last year, now at 3.6%.
• Chief Economic Strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Ellen Zentner commented on the labor market’s shift away from job seekers.