The United States reported a Non Farm Payrolls figure of 165 for the reference period of October 2026. The reading came in above the market forecast of 65. It was also higher than the previous period, which stood at 60.
What the figure measures
Non Farm Payrolls counts the change in the number of people employed by businesses and government in the United States, excluding farm workers, private households and non-profit staff. A higher figure means more jobs were added in the period. Because the measure is closely watched, a reading that differs sharply from expectations can prompt a reassessment of the labour market.
The release was published at 13:30 GMT on 6 November 2026. Compared with the forecast, the result was above expectations. Compared with the previous period, it was also higher, so both comparisons point the same way for this release.
Context from the labour market
The US unemployment rate for September 2026 stood at 4.2%. That figure covers the month of September and is separate from the October payrolls reading reported on 6 November. In markets the same day, the payrolls figure was the headline labour data point.
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Data: FRED — St. Louis Fed
