U.S. job growth slowed more than expected in December, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by 50,000 after a revised 56,000 in November. The unemployment rate dipped to 4.4%. Economists had forecast higher job gains, suggesting a "no hire, no fire" mode amid business caution due to import tariffs and AI investment. This trend, which began in 2024, indicates a jobless expansion, though economic growth and productivity surged in Q3, partly from AI spending.