Economist Estimation For Friday Jobs Report: 195K New Jobs, Unemployment Rate Remains The Same

Dr. Mikhail Melnik, an economist at Southern Polytechnic State University, told Benzinga that he expects a “decent” payroll figures report on Friday.

He estimates the economy has created about 195,000 jobs in November with private non-farm employment around 185,000, but he expects the unemployment rate will remain the same.

“My expectation is that the numbers will come out below the consensus, but still strong enough,” he said.

Melnik noted that the U.S. is a large economy that requires roughly 150,000 jobs added each month to keep up with population growth.

“The U.S. economy is a bright spot on the global arena, benefiting from low long-term rates, low commodity prices and the current monetary policy standing,” he said.