U.S. non-farm payrolls rose 145 thousand in December, down from 178K in November, and missing expectations of 175K.
The unemployment rate rose to 4.7% from 4.6% in the previous reading, matching expectations, while average hourly earnings jumped 0.4%, compared to November's 0.1% dip, and expectations of a 0.3% rise.
Also released today, the trade balance for November registered a deficit of $45.2 billion, up from $42.6B in October, and more than forecasts of $42.2B.