Jan 2026 Non-Farm Payrolls Up 130K, Exceeding Forecasts

The U.S. nonfarm payroll employment increased by 130,000 in January 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, significantly exceeding a median forecast of 100,000. The unemployment rate held at 3.5%, the lowest level in over a decade. The monthly gain reflects continued labor market strength and supports expectations for accommodative monetary policy in the coming months.