Australia's unemployment rate ticked higher in January even though job creation handily outpaced forecasts, data showed on Thursday, a mixed outcome that does little to clarify the outlook for further cuts in interest rates.

Australia's unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent in January from 4 percent in December, in line with expectations from economists.

Australia's unemployment rate inched up to 4.1% in January 2025 as the participation rate across the country hit a new record-high of 67.3%, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Australia’s unemployment rate edged higher to 4.1% in January 2025, up from December’s 4.0%, meeting estimates. The participation rate rose to a record peak of 67.3%, surpassing forecasts of 67.1%. The underemployment rate remained at 6.

Australian employment outpaced forecasts for a second month in January as more women got work, yet the unemployment rate still ticked higher as an unusually large number of people were waiting to start a new job.