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Australia's Unemployment Drops to 4.1%, Job Gains Surge

1/22/2026

38 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports the unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in December, with employment figures exceeding expectations.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports a net gain of 65,200 jobs, led by younger workers entering the labor market.
The data raise the likelihood of a Reserve Bank of Australia rate hike at the February 3 meeting, with market expectations at 53%.

History

Historical Context

Australia's unemployment rate fell to 4.9% in 2019, driven by a gain of 39,000 jobs, reflecting a recovery from the 2020 recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2023, the rate further declined to 4.1% with 65,200 new jobs, indicating economic resilience and raising expectations for a Reserve Bank of Australia rate hike amid ongoing labor market improvements.

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Story summary

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports the unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in December, with employment figures exceeding expectations.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports a net gain of 65,200 jobs, led by younger workers entering the labor market.
The data raise the likelihood of a Reserve Bank of Australia rate hike at the February 3 meeting, with market expectations at 53%.

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