September 2026 · prev +133K
How many jobs the US added in a month. Out on the first Friday of the month.
What it is and why it matters
What it is. How many jobs the US added in a month. Out on the first Friday of the month.
Why you care. One of the loudest reports: markets jump right after it. Lots of jobs means the Fed is in no rush to cut.
How to read the chart. Tall bars: a strong economy. Near zero or negative: the economy is slowing and cuts are closer.
FRED · PAYEMS · original source BLS
September 2026 · prev 4.10%
The share of job seekers without work.
What it is and why it matters
What it is. The share of job seekers without work.
Why you care. A fast rise in unemployment often marks the start of a recession. Then the Fed rushes to cut.
How to read the chart. A flat low line: all good. A half-point jump in a couple of months: a warning sign.
FRED · UNRATE · original source BLS
Oct 10 · prev 198K
How many people filed a first claim for unemployment benefits this week.
What it is and why it matters
What it is. How many people filed a first claim for unemployment benefits this week.
Why you care. Out every Thursday, so it is the first to show layoffs picking up.
How to read the chart. A steady rise: the job market is weakening. One-off spikes often come from holidays or weather.
FRED · ICSA · original source U.S. Dept. of Labor
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