• U.S. added 64,000 jobs in November, surpassing forecasts of 40,000.
• The unemployment rate increased to 4.6%, the highest since 2021.
• October saw a net loss of 105,000 jobs, largely due to government workforce reductions.
• Healthcare and construction sectors saw job gains, while manufacturing lost jobs.
• Federal Reserve cut interest rates amidst economic uncertainty and rising unemployment.

The U.S. labor market displayed a degree of resilience in November, with employers adding 64,000 jobs, exceeding economists' forecasts of 40,000. However, the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, the highest figure since 2021, indicating potential underlying weaknesses. This report marked the first significant labor market data release following an extended government shutdown that lasted 43 days, which delayed previous employment reports for October and September, according to Reuters and CBS News.

October's data revealed a net loss of 105,000 jobs, primarily attributed to the departure of 162,000 federal employees in light of the Trump administration’s cost-cutting measures. Following this decline, the November job growth, while a positive signal, comes amid increasing economic uncertainty due to trade policies and high inflation rates, according to Los Angeles Times and BBC.

While November witnessed gains chiefly in the healthcare sector, which added 46,000 jobs, and construction, which contributed 28,000 jobs, the manufacturing sector continued to struggle, shedding 5,000 jobs. The mixed results highlight a labor market that remains cautious, with many employers hesitant to hire amid fears of economic instability and rising import tariffs, as noted by NPR and India Times.

The Federal Reserve responded to the mounting economic challenges by reducing its benchmark interest rate, marking the third such cut this year in an effort to stimulate growth in the slowing job market. However, some Fed officials expressed concerns regarding inflation, which remains above their target, creating a complex context for further monetary policy decisions, according to Los Angeles Times and BBC.