Your Money Minute – “A Snapshot Of The Job Market 12/22/25”

Podcast: Your Money Minute
Host: CNBC (Jessica Ettinger)
Date: December 22, 2025
Duration: ~1 minute

Episode Overview

This quick episode delivers a high-level update on the current state of the U.S. job market as of December 2025. Host Jessica Ettinger summarizes key figures from the latest November jobs report, calls attention to rising unemployment, and discusses underlying trends, including a surge in job postings—many of which are seasonally driven and of limited duration or benefit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Unemployment Rate Hits a Four-Year High

• Main Statistic:
  The unemployment rate increased to 4.6%, marking the highest rate since July 2021.
  • Jessica Ettinger [00:00]: "The unemployment rate hit a four year high last month."
  • Rick Santelli [00:07]: "The unemployment rate, and this of course is what everybody's been waiting for, did indeed move up to 4.6%. 4.6% would be the hottest going back to July of 21..."

November Jobs Report—A Lackluster Month

• Job Creation:
  Only 62,000 jobs were created in November, signaling slower growth.
  • Jessica Ettinger [00:21]: "...It was lackluster. Only 62,000 jobs created."

Bright Spot: Increase in Job Openings on Indeed

• More Openings Posted:
  Indeed.com reports a noticeable uptick in job postings during the month, the first YoY increase in over a year.
  • Jessica Ettinger [00:21]: "...there was a hint of positive job news for November from indeed. The job website said there were more job openings posted in November and it was the strongest number in a long time."
  • Laura Ulrich (Indeed) [00:40]: "So it did increase between November 1 and November 28. That's the first type of increase we've seen like that in a year."

Nuance: Seasonal & Temporary Nature of Jobs

• Type of Positions:
  Most new job openings are part-time, temporary, or seasonal, especially in retail and logistics—often without benefits.
  • Jessica Ettinger [00:47]: "...many of the jobs appear to be seasonal positions for the holidays, part time, temporary, hourly, no benefits in what's been a soft season for temp jobs, especially at retail..."
  • Laura Ulrich (Indeed) [01:04]: "...seasonal hiring, seasonal activity loading and stocking and in logistics support..."

Staying Informed

• Resource:
  For the latest information, listeners are advised to check CNBC’s website.
  • Jessica Ettinger [01:10]: "You can keep up on the job market. @cnbc.com"

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rick Santelli [00:07]:
  "The unemployment rate, and this of course is what everybody's been waiting for, did indeed move up to 4.6%."
• Jessica Ettinger [00:21]:
  "It was lackluster. Only 62,000 jobs created."
• Laura Ulrich (Indeed) [00:40]:
  "That's the first type of increase we've seen like that in a year."
• Jessica Ettinger [00:47]:
  "Many of the jobs appear to be seasonal positions for the holidays, part time, temporary, hourly, no benefits..."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – Jessica Ettinger announces rise in unemployment rate
• 00:07 – Rick Santelli provides historical perspective
• 00:21 – Overview of November jobs report and Indeed job opening figures
• 00:40 – Laura Ulrich (Indeed) on the uptick in postings
• 00:47 – Discussion of seasonal and temporary job nature
• 01:04 – Further clarification from Laura Ulrich on roles
• 01:10 – Where to get more information

Style & Tone

This episode uses concise, news-driven language with a focus on actionable statistics and trends. The tone is sober but informative, characteristic of CNBC’s financial reporting style, and is geared towards a general audience keeping up with job and economy headlines.