United States Non-Farm Payroll: What is it and why is important

2023/5/9

What is NFP and Why is Important?

The Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) report is a monthly economic release that provides insight into the employment situation in the United States. It is a highly significant economic indicator and is widely used by investors, traders, and policymakers to evaluate the health of the U.S. economy.

Impact of Nonfarm Payroll on the Foreign Exchange Market

The NFP report can significantly impact the foreign exchange (Forex) market. If the report shows more jobs added than expected, it can indicate a strong economy, leading to an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar. Conversely, if the report indicates fewer jobs added than expected, it can signal a weak economy and lead to a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar.

Non-Farm Payroll Report Employment Change

The NFP employment change measures the number of jobs added or lost in the U.S. economy, excluding the farming industry. It is issued on the first Friday of each month by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and is based on data collected in the previous month.

How to read the Non-Farm Payroll Report  

While the NFP report can be complex, it offers valuable insights to investors and traders. It includes critical data such as the unemployment rate, the number of jobs added or lost, and the average hourly earnings. Investors and traders analyze this information to assess the economy’s health and make investment decisions.

Where to find the Non-Farm Payroll Report

The NFP report, released on the first Friday of every month at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET), can cause significant volatility in financial markets.

It is available on the website of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as various financial news outlets and online platforms. Monitoring the NFP, along with other economic indicators, allows investors, traders, and policymakers to gain insights into the health of the U.S. economy and make informed decisions. Thus, comprehending the Non-Farm Payroll report is crucial for making better investment decisions.