US September U6 Unemployment Rate: A True Reflection of the Labor Market

On September 5, 2025, the US Department of Labor released the U6 unemployment rate for September. The reported figure was 8.10%, with no forecast provided; the previous value was also 8.10%.Data Definition: The U6 unemployment rate includes part-time workers who seek full-time employment but are unable to find work due to economic reasons. This indicator offers a more comprehensive view of labor market conditions.Market Impact: U4 and U6 figures highlight the significance of discouraged workers. Even if the headline unemployment rate appears low, a high U6 reading indicates widespread underemployment and a more severe employment shortfall. As a result, many financial institutions regard the U6 unemployment rate as a more accurate measure of US labor market conditions and use it to inform expectations regarding Federal Reserve interest rate hikes.This data carries a medium level of importance (Level 2). The calculation uses the labor force as the denominator, rather than the total population. The release frequency is monthly—published on the first Friday of each month, except in cases of special holidays or statistical scheduling adjustments. The next release is scheduled for November 7, 2025.

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