US Job Growth Misses Expectations, Weakest Hiring Year Since Covid in 2025

• The US added fewer jobs than expected in December, marking the weakest hiring year since the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Employment rose by 50,000 in December, a slowdown from 56,000 in November, with the jobless rate at 4.4%.
• Payroll employment grew by 584,000 in 2025, significantly lower than 2.0 million in 2024.
• Investors are watching the data for its impact on Federal Reserve interest rate decisions.
• Economists note 'yellow warning lights' for the economy, with concerns about job creation and potential recession risks.

Why It Matters: US job growth slowed significantly in December, making 2025 the weakest hiring year since the pandemic.