The percentage of people confident that they will find a job fell to a record low of 43.1% in December. This is according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, cited by CNN. At the same time, the probability of job loss increases and the number of new jobs remains low.
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The US labor market has been stagnant for months – the low number of new jobs and layoffs, rising long-term unemployment and slowing wage growth are deepening economic inequality. Changes in trade and migration policies increase uncertainty, discouraging companies from investing and recruiting. This situation particularly affects people with low and medium incomes.
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According to CNN, in December 2025, employers created only 50,000 jobs. new jobs. This result is almost unchanged compared to the downwardly revised figure of 56,000. in November. According to a statement from the Department of Labor. The unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent for the first time since June, from 4.5 percent. in November, which is also a downwardly revised result.
USA. Expectations to find a job are at an all-time low
The data indicate the reluctance of enterprises to hire new employees, despite economic recovery. Many companies hired intensively after the pandemic and there is no longer a need to fill additional positions.
Others have held off on hiring new workers due to widespread uncertainty caused by President Donald Trump's volatile tariff policies, high inflation and the spread of artificial intelligence that could change or even replace some jobs.
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As CNN explains, the exception to stagnation and pessimism are the healthcare, recreation and catering sectors, which account for 84%. employment growth in 2025. Other industries are stagnating or declining, and the labor market is becoming more and more unbalanced.
According to data from Bank of America and the Department of Labor, the number of new applications for unemployment benefits remains low and the pace of wage growth has accelerated slightly. Experts emphasize, however, that the true picture of the labor market will only be shown by data for December, which will take into account the effects of the government shutdown.
