US companies created fewer jobs than expected in December, while the unemployment rate rose slightly, meeting analyst expectations
As regards the first figure, 156.000 jobs were created in the US, a result that is below the expectations of analysts who expected an increase of 183.000 units.
According to percentages provided by the Department of Labor, the unemployment rate rose from 4,6% to 4,7%. November's numbers were revised upwards to 204.000 jobs created, while October's numbers were revised downwards to +135.000; in total there was an increase of 19.000 units.
The data relating to hourly wages is positive: on an annual basis they have grown by 2,9%, the highest since June 2009. This suggests that President Barack Obama is handing over a robust job market to his successor Donald Trump.
