According to the Labor Department data, the U.S. economy has shown less job growth outside the agricultural sector (Nonfarm Payrolls), as the jobs market cooled at the end of 2019.
The number of new jobs rose only 145 thousand in December, while analysts had expected an increase of 164 thousand.
The unemployment rate remained stable at 3.5%, as predicted. The average hourly earnings for the month rose 0.1% compared with growth expectations of 0.3%.
PAUTAN SEGERA