US session was marked by NFP report. Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 252,000 in December, above expected increase by 241,000. In 2014, job growth averaged 246,000 per month, compared with an average monthly gain of 194,000 in 2013. In December, employment increased in professional and business services, construction, food services and drinking places, health care, and manufacturing.
The unemployment rate declined by 0.2 percentage point to 5.6% in December, beating predictions on decline to 5.7%, and the number of unemployed persons declined by 383,000 to 8.7 million. Over the year, the unemployment rate and the number of unemployed persons were down by 1.1% and 1.7 million, respectively.
We can expect a steadier session on Monday as there will be no major data releases both from Eurozone and USA. With that being the case we would pay attention to any hints from ECB officials on possible monetary measures as well as on development of the situation in Greece.
