Definition
The monthly survey of businesses and government agencies that produces the payroll jobs number.
The story
Instead of asking people, this survey asks employers how many people they paid. It counts jobs, not people, so someone with two jobs counts twice. It's where the headline "jobs added" number comes from.
Why markets watch it
It produces nonfarm payrolls, the jobs report's headline.
Connects to
We explain why it moves markets. What you do with it is your call. Commentary and education only. Not financial advice. All terms