economy
The February jobs numbers are coming out Friday. Here's what to expect
Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expect payroll growth of 50,000, following January's surprisingly high 130,000.
TL;DR
- The 2025 labor market was described as 'unstable' with minimal job growth.
- The 2026 labor market is being called 'stable,' despite similar conditions.
- Companies are experiencing a low-hire, low-fire environment due to strong demand but economic uncertainty.
- Federal Reserve officials and market economists are expressing more optimism about labor market stability.
- Subdued hiring rates are attributed to factors like immigration clampdowns and a limited labor pool.
- Most job gains in 2025 and early 2026 have been in health-care-related industries.
- Sectors like construction and technology are facing pressure, with AI adoption impacting job numbers.
- A strike at Kaiser Permanente may affect February's health-care job numbers.
- Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expect 50,000 payroll growth for February, with the unemployment rate holding at 4.3%.