Definition
The monthly survey of about 60,000 households that produces the unemployment rate.
The story
Government interviewers ask the people living in a home who's working, who's looking and who isn't. It counts people, not jobs, so someone working two jobs counts once. That's one reason it can disagree with the payroll count.
Why markets watch it
When it tells a different story from the employer survey, markets notice.
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