U.S. hiring picked up unexpectedly in December as employers added 256,000 jobs, another sign of the economy’s resilience in the face of high interest rates.

Welcome to TOPLive’s blog coverage of the US employment report for December. As we contemplate the year ahead — and the return of Donald Trump to the White House — we’ll take a final look at the 2024 job market. Join us at 8:15 a.m. New York time, 15 minutes before the numbers come out, for news, analysis and market reaction.

Follow live coverage and analysis of the December jobs report, set to be released Friday at 8:30 Eastern time.

The December jobs report is expected to show a softening labor market, but nothing to get alarmed about.

The unemployment rate in Canada decreased to 6.70% in December from 6.80% in November 2024. ETFs: (EWC), (FLCA). Currency: (USD:CAD) More on Canada, etc. Canadian Banks Are Seeing Increased Risks EWC: Growth Outlook Not Strong Due To Low Exposure To Technology Sector Trade threats still loom for Canada despite Trudeau resignation

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada will release the country's job report for December this morning. November saw Canada's unemployment rate rise to 6.8 per cent — the highest jobless rate since January 2017 outside of the COVID-19 pandemic.