Unemployment Rate
Fri · Aug 7 · 8:30 AM ET
Unemployment may drift to 4.4% on slower hiring; a rising rate supports easing and weighs on the dollar.
The forecast figure is an AI estimate from past readings — not a market consensus.
Release history
| Period | Actual | Prior | S&P that day |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | 4.3% | 4.3% | +0.3% |
| Apr 2026 | 4.3% | 4.3% | +0.8% |
| Mar 2026 | 4.3% | 4.4% | +0.1% |
| Feb 2026 | 4.4% | 4.3% | +0.5% |
| Jan 2026 | 4.3% | 4.4% | +0.2% |
| Dec 2025 | 4.4% | 4.5% | -0.5% |
| Nov 2025 | 4.5% | 4.4% | +0.2% |
| Sep 2025 | 4.4% | 4.3% | -0.7% |
“S&P that day” = S&P 500 (SPY) close-to-close move on the release date — a proxy for the market’s reaction.
What is Unemployment Rate?
The Unemployment Rate, from the same monthly BLS report as payrolls, is the share of the labor force that is jobless and actively looking for work.
Why it moves markets
It is half of the Fed’s dual mandate (maximum employment and stable prices). A rising rate signals a cooling economy and can pull the Fed toward cuts; a very low rate suggests a tight labor market that may keep wages and inflation elevated.
How to read it
Read it together with payrolls. A rise driven by more people entering the workforce is healthier than one driven by layoffs. The "Sahm rule" flags recessions when the rate climbs ~0.5pt off its lows.
Upcoming releases
Times in U.S. Eastern (ET). Economic data from official sources (FRED); schedules and AI estimates may change. For information only — not investment advice.