ZAforexWhat is NFP?
NFP (Non-Farm Payrolls) is the number of jobs added or lost in the US economy in the previous month, excluding farm workers, private household employees and non-profit staff. It is the headline of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Situation report, which also includes the unemployment rate and average hourly earnings (wage growth).
Why NFP moves the markets
The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate: stable prices and maximum employment. Strong jobs and wage growth can push the Fed to keep rates higher (dollar up, gold and indices often down); weak jobs data does the opposite. Because it comes out early in the month, NFP sets the tone for the dollar for weeks.
Typical NFP reactions
| Result vs forecast | USD | XAU/USD | US30 / NAS100 | USD/ZAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Much stronger jobs | Up | Often down | Mixed (rates vs growth) | Often up (rand weaker) |
| Much weaker jobs | Down | Often up | Mixed | Often down |
How traders handle NFP
- Stay flat: many traders simply avoid the first 15–30 minutes.
- Wait for the dust to settle and trade the direction that holds after the first spike.
- Reduce size: spreads widen and stop orders can slip.
- Always check the revisions to previous months and the wage number, not just the headline.
Frequently asked questions
When is NFP?
Usually on the first Friday of the month at 08:30 New York time: 14:30 SAST from mid-March to early November and 15:30 SAST during the US winter. The countdown above shows the next expected date.
What does NFP mean in trading?
Non-Farm Payrolls, the US monthly jobs number. It is one of the most market-moving data releases for the dollar, gold and US indices.
What time is NFP in South Africa?
14:30 SAST (15:30 SAST in the US winter).
Where can I watch NFP news live?
Use the economic calendar on this site for the actual vs forecast figures, and the forex news page for headlines.