Was It a Good Jobs Report or a Bad One?  A Closer Look at the September 2026 Unemployment Numbers

By Frank Stricker October 17, 2026 I.             There is much that is confusing about the job numbers in the latest Employment Situation. By conventional standards, as is often the case, official unemployment was on the low side–just 4.2%. And from a separate report, we learn that initial applications for unemployment benefits have recently been… Read More Was It a Good Jobs Report or a Bad One?  A Closer Look at the September 2026 Unemployment Numbers

The Jobs Report for August 2026: Minor Improvements and Much Confusion

By Frank Stricker September 21, 2026 In the latest job report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the official unemployment rate was low again at 4.1%. If that number fully measured unemployment, we might be close to full employment. We at NJFAN, and others too, believe that real unemployment is much higher. We estimate… Read More The Jobs Report for August 2026: Minor Improvements and Much Confusion

2025–Glad to See You Go?  The December Jobs Report      

  By Frank Stricker January 20, 2026                 Bits of Good News First       The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Situation for December showed several positives, although most were small. For example, unemployment was down for whites, African Americans, and the whole labor force. It fell from 30.7%… Read More 2025–Glad to See You Go?  The December Jobs Report