Marketplace All-in-One Unemployment hits four-year high
Dec 16, 2025
Daniel Ackerman, a Business reporter, analyzes the rise in unemployment to 4.6%, highlighting a cooling labor market. Samantha Fields discusses the future of health care jobs amid potential hiring slowdowns. Meanwhile, Carl Javier predicts ad revenues hitting $1 trillion by 2025, driven by retail media. Amanda Hoover addresses the booming clothing rental market among eco-conscious youth. Lastly, Monica Nicholsberg reveals a growing trend of young people pursuing skilled trades and apprenticeships as a stable alternative in an uncertain job landscape.
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Unemployment Rise Driven By Slower Hiring
- The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.6% without a surge in layoffs, reflecting slower hiring rather than mass job losses.
- Workforce re-entry and more part-time workers wanting full-time roles are key drivers of the higher rate.
Prepare For A Longer Job Hunt
- Job seekers should expect longer interview processes and prepare for a tougher hiring market.
- Career coaching or refreshed job-search strategies can help those unemployed for months, Amanda Augustine says.
Workforce Reentry Hides Mixed Signals
- Many people are reentering the labor force, which can reflect either greater confidence or increasing necessity.
- Part-time workers wanting full-time jobs reached their highest level since March 2021, signaling economic stress.