The U.S. economy added 155,000 jobs in December as the unemployment rate remained stuck at 7.8%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said.
The number of unemployed persons sat at 12.2 million, little changed from the previous report. The number of long-term unemployed, those out of work for 27 weeks or more, also sat stagnant at 4.8 million and made up 39.1% of the unemployed.
The civilian labor participation rate is holding at 63.6%.
Analysts with Econoday saw the report as status quo for the most part, but peppered with some positive news.
“Payroll jobs in December were as expected, gaining 155,000 following an increase of 161,000 in November (originally up 146,000) and a ruse of 137,000 in October (previously up 138,000),” analysts with the research firm said. “The net revisions for October and November were up 14,000. Analysts forecast a 155,000 rise for November.”
“Private payrolls were a little healthier than projected, rising 168,000 in December after increasing 171,000 the prior month. The consensus called for a 157,000 increase,” Econoday added.
