Definition
The government's monthly report on US jobs, built from two surveys: one of employers, one of households. Usually out the first Friday of the month at 7:30 AM CT (Central Time).
The story
On Oct 2, 2026, the September report showed just 29,000 jobs added when economists expected 90,000 (Reuters poll). Unemployment ticked up to 4.2%, and the two months before were revised down by 60,000. Weak news for workers, yet the S&P 500 closed up 0.7% and the Nasdaq up 1.1%. That can look backwards until you remember markets had been bracing for more rate hikes, and a cooler job market can take some pressure off.
Why markets watch it
Jobs are half of the Fed's goals, so a big miss or beat can reset rate expectations in minutes.
IN HISTORICAL DATA
Latest Jobs reports: Fri, Oct 2, 2026 · Below
- Actual vs forecast
- +29K vs +90K
- S&P 500
- +0.7%
- Nasdaq
- +1.14%
- Gold
- Spot -0.8% to -1.1%
History, not a prediction. Every row lists its sources.
All Jobs reports →Connects to
Consensus forecastThe Federal ReserveRate hike and rate cutS&P 500Nasdaq CompositeLabor marketADP reportChallenger job cuts
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We explain why it moves markets. What you do with it is your call. Commentary and education only. Not financial advice. All terms