Job Creation Index Falls Slightly

December's job creation index averaged plus 30, down slightly from the monthly record high of plus 32 recorded for six consecutive months in 2015. The plus 30 yearly average for 2015 set a new high.

Net hiring in the private sector, which employs the large majority of U.S. workers, was plus 31 in December, on par with the plus 32 in November but below the seven-year high of plus 34 recorded in October. Government hiring increased two points from November to plus 27, tying the record high found in October 2015. Net hiring generally was similar across regions in December compared with November. The exception is the East, where it fell three points from November.