"U.S. Employers added 256,000 jobs in December, bringing the total number of jobs gained in 2024 to 2.2 million. The unemployment rate in December fell to 4.1%, down from 4.2% in November, and held steady around 4% throughout 2024. Workers saw earnings improve, with hourly wages up 3.9% at the end of 2024 compared to the end of 2023. The report indicated stronger job growth than expected, possibly reducing the Federal Reserve's incentive to cut interest rates this year."