U.S. Unemployment Rate

Pandemic period gains for stock markets and the resulting windfalls for investors have been cited by Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Jerome Powell for a sharp increase in retirements that is lifting pay growth for workers but also contributing to inflation and helping to drive interest rates higher. 

The Dollar Index reversed lower Friday while other currencies were lifted by default when non-farm payrolls figures showed the U.S. job market cracking around year-end and after a period when coronavirus containment efforts were again closing down parts of the world's largest economy. 

The Dollar pared losses Friday after official data revealed a stronger-than-anticipated increase in the number of jobs created by the economy during October, and a healthy pick-up in the rate of wage growth.

The Dollar strengthened Friday after official data showed the U.S. unemployment rate declining to a new multi-decade low while wages continue to grow at a healthy clip in September, which is significant for Federal Reserve (Fed) policy.