Nonfarm Payrolls

Released on the first Friday of most months, the Nonfarm Payrolls report counts how many jobs were added or lost across the US economy in the prior month, excluding farm workers, government employees in some categories, and a few other carve-outs that make month-to-month comparisons cleaner. It's one of the most closely watched economic releases anywhere, because it captures hiring, wage growth, and unemployment all in one report, and a surprise in either direction can move stocks, bonds, and the dollar within seconds of release.