U.S. job growth surged in November after being severely hindered by hurricanes and strikes, but a rise in the unemployment rate to 4.2% pointed to an easing labor market that should allow the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates again this month.

U.S. employers added 227,000 jobs in November as the effects from hurricanes and strikes the previous month reversed. The unemployment rate was 4.2%

US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown.

The November employment report provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession.