What is Non-Farm Employment?
2575 reads · Last updated: December 5, 2024
"Non-farm employment" refers to the total number of employed individuals in a country (usually the United States) outside of the agricultural sector. This measure excludes employment in agriculture, private household employees, and employees of non-profit organizations serving individuals. Non-farm employment is a crucial economic indicator used to assess the employment market situation beyond agriculture, including industries like manufacturing, construction, government, and other service sectors.The non-farm employment report, released monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is considered one of the most critical pieces of data for evaluating the condition of the U.S. economy. Changes in this report significantly impact financial markets, especially the stock, bond, and foreign exchange markets. An increase in non-farm employment is generally seen as a sign of economic growth, as more job opportunities imply higher consumer spending and production activity. Conversely, a decrease in non-farm employment might indicate an economic slowdown or recession.
