US economy adds 165,000 jobs in October, beating forecasts

Summary

The US economy added 165,000 jobs in October, well above economists' expectations, according to data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate dipped to 4.1%. Coverage described a 'low-hire, low-fire' labor market, in which job growth is sluggish but layoffs remain low. CNBC reported that economists had expected only 59,000 jobs and a steady 4.2% unemployment rate. Bloomberg reported that the gain topped all forecasts and that the prior two months were revised upward. The Financial Times said the hiring rebound reinforces expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates, and The Guardian said a rate hike is expected in December. Hindustan Times said the job market likely improved after a weak September, with layoffs low and workers enjoying job security. The report came amid an ongoing war in the Middle East and inflation.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   6 Nov 2026, 13:42 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that US job growth of 165,000 in October beat economist expectations, with the unemployment rate down slightly to 4.1%, and that an interest rate hike is expected in December.

2. NPR

   6 Nov 2026, 13:49 UTCSource ↗

   NPR reports that employers added more jobs than forecasters had expected last month and that the unemployment rate dipped to 4.1%.

3. Hindustan Times

   6 Nov 2026, 13:59 UTCSource ↗

   Hindustan Times reports that the US added 165,000 jobs in October and the unemployment rate dipped to 4.1% after a weak September, with layoffs low and workers enjoying job security.

4. CNBC

   6 Nov 2026, 14:57 UTCSource ↗

   CNBC reports that the US economy added 165,000 jobs in October, way more than the 59,000 expected, and that the unemployment rate slipped to 4.1%.

5. Bloomberg

   6 Nov 2026, 16:28 UTCSource ↗

   Bloomberg reports that US job growth surged in October, with nonfarm payrolls up 165,000 topping all forecasts after upward revisions to the prior two months, and the unemployment rate edging lower.

6. Financial Times

   6 Nov 2026, 18:45 UTCSource ↗

   The Financial Times reports that the US economy outstripped forecasts to add 165,000 jobs in October, a hiring rebound that reinforces expectations the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates.