NFP and Gold
US payrolls, unemployment and wage growth next to the gold price, with the next jobs report in your time zone. Updated automatically from official data.
Next jobs report (NFP): · full calendar
Monthly payroll change (thousands, last 24 months)
Last 12 reports
| Month | Payrolls | Unemployment | Wages y/y | Gold change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | +29K | 4.2% | 3.0% | -6.58% |
| Aug 2026 | +133K | 4.1% | 3.1% | +9.12% |
| Jul 2026 | -10K | 4.1% | 3.2% | +1.70% |
| Jun 2026 | +31K | 4.2% | 3.4% | -12.07% |
| May 2026 | +63K | 4.3% | 3.3% | -0.79% |
| Apr 2026 | +148K | 4.3% | 3.6% | -0.39% |
| Mar 2026 | +214K | 4.3% | 3.4% | -11.44% |
| Feb 2026 | -156K | 4.4% | 3.7% | +10.60% |
| Jan 2026 | +160K | 4.3% | 3.7% | +9.31% |
| Dec 2025 | -17K | 4.4% | 3.7% | +2.03% |
| Nov 2025 | +41K | 4.5% | 3.9% | +6.47% |
| Oct 2025 | -140K | 0.0% | 3.9% | +3.18% |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics; COMEX gold futures. Data updated . Updates automatically several times a day.
Why the jobs report moves gold
The US jobs report is one of the two biggest scheduled events for gold each month (the other is CPI). It shapes expectations for the Federal Reserve, and through that, Treasury yields and the dollar.
- Strong payrolls + strong wages: markets may expect higher-for-longer rates. Yields and the dollar can rise, often a headwind for gold.
- Weak payrolls + rising unemployment: markets may expect rate cuts. Yields can fall, often supportive for gold.
- Mixed reports (strong jobs, weak wages, big revisions) can make gold swing both ways before choosing a direction.
Prepare for NFP like a professional
- Check the release time in your time zone on the calendar.
- Note the forecast for payrolls, unemployment and wages.
- Mark the overnight high and low; these often act as the first reference levels after the release.
- Decide your plan in advance, and expect slippage. Read how to trade gold on NFP day.
Frequently asked questions
How does NFP affect gold?
Nonfarm payrolls (NFP) is the monthly US jobs report. A strong report can lift yields and the dollar as markets expect fewer Fed rate cuts, which often pressures gold. A weak report can do the opposite. As with CPI, the surprise versus the forecast drives the move, and revisions to earlier months matter too.
When is the NFP report released?
Usually on the first Friday of the month at 8:30 am US Eastern time, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Dates can shift. Our news calendar shows the next release in your local time.
What else is in the jobs report besides payrolls?
The unemployment rate and average hourly earnings (wage growth) are released at the same time. Wage growth matters for inflation, so it can move gold as much as the headline payroll number.
Why are payroll numbers revised?
The first estimate is based on incomplete surveys. The BLS revises the previous two months in each report, and does a larger benchmark revision once a year. The figures on this page are the latest revised values.
Where does this data come from?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics public API: total nonfarm employment (CES0000000001), the unemployment rate (LNS14000000) and average hourly earnings (CES0500000003). Payroll change is the month-over-month difference in thousands.
Is NFP a good day to trade gold?
It is one of the most volatile days of the month. Spreads widen and price can spike both ways. Read our dedicated guide to trading gold on NFP day before you decide.
Educational tool only. Not financial advice and not a signal. Check your own broker's contract specification, margin rules and costs. Past data does not predict future prices. See our risk disclaimer.