US added only 50,000 jobs in December: A fragile finish to a volatile year for the American job market

American employers closed 2025 on an uncertain note, adding just 50,000 jobs in December as hiring slowed and revisions erased earlier gains. While unemployment edged lower, job growth narrowed to a few service sectors. Private data hints at stabilisation, but widespread layoffs and weak momentum leave the US labour market fragile heading into 2026.