"Sectors that showed notable job gains in December include food services and drinking places (+27,000 jobs), health care (+34,000 jobs) and social assistance (+17,000 jobs). On the other end of the spectrum, the retail trade sector lost 25,000 jobs in December. Residential building construction lost 4,200 jobs in December, although employment for residential specialty trade contractors rose by 1,100 jobs. The real estate sector also posted a small increase, adding 2,300 jobs in December."
"When it comes to the housing market, Sturtevant said this data is indicative of increased economic uncertainty among consumers. The 2026 housing market is going to be a tug-of-war between improved affordability and growing economic uncertainty. Mortgage rates are at their lowest level in 15 months, home price growth is slowing and inventory is on the rise. These trends point to improved affordability and could bring more homebuyers into the housing market."
Most sectors experienced job declines in December, while health care (+34,000), food services and drinking places (+27,000), and social assistance (+17,000) posted gains. Retail trade lost 25,000 jobs. Residential building construction lost 4,200 jobs, though residential specialty trade contractors added 1,100 jobs; real estate added 2,300 jobs. The labor data signals increased economic uncertainty among consumers. The 2026 housing market faces a tug-of-war between improved affordability—lower mortgage rates, slowing home price growth, and rising inventory—and heightened economic anxiety that may make buyers more cautious. The mix supports a potential pause in Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Read at www.housingwire.com
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