U.S. unemployment rate falls slightly in December, allaying labor market concerns

The Wall Street Journal commented on the U.S. non-farm data, stating that the U.S. added 256,000 jobs last month, and the unemployment rate declined slightly. This is much higher than a previous survey, with economists expecting 155,000 non-farm employment in December. The 4.1% unemployment rate also beat the expected 4.2%. The unemployment rate is close to the level that Federal Reserve officials believe is sustainable in the long term, and Federal Reserve Chairman Powell has said he believes the labor market does not need to cool further. After rising in the first half of 2024, the unemployment rate appears to have stabilized since last summer, easing concerns about a potential economic downturn last fall.