Labour market conditions in Australia gained further momentum in December, with employment increasing for the ninth consecutive month and at a faster pace and the unemployment and participation rates continuing to indicate very tight conditions. This will likely keep the focus of the Reserve Bank of Australia on risks to the inflation outlook.

The number of people employed in Australia rose by 56,300 in December, up sharply from 35,600 in November and well above the consensus forecast for an increase of 20,000. Full-time employment fell by 23,700 persons after a previous increase of 56,200 persons, but part-time employment rose by 80,000 persons after a previous decline of 17,000 persons. Hours rose 0.5 percent on the mopnth after no change previously.

Today's data also show the unemployment rate rose from 3.9 percent in November to 4.0 percent in December. The participation rate rose from 67.0 percent to 67.1 percent, matching its record high.

Job growth in Australia in December is expected to show a modest 20,000 increase on the month as growth flagged headed into year end. The jobless rate is expected to tick up to 4.2 percent from 3.9 percent in November.

The Labour Force Survey is a key economic indicator giving an overall picture of employment and unemployment. Employment counts the number of paid employees working part-time or full-time in the nation's business and government establishments. The unemployment rate measures the number of unemployed as a percentage of the labour force.

This report is used as an indicator of the health of the domestic economy. Employment trends highlight the strength in job creation and the implications for future sectoral activity. The unemployment rate is used as an indicator of tightness in labor markets and can foreshadow a future increase in wages. Labor force data provide investors with the earliest signs of industry performance. While other data are produced with a month or two delay, these data are available only a week to 10 days after the end of the latest month. Reactions can be dramatic - especially when the result is unanticipated.

The information in the report is invaluable for investors. By looking at employment trends in the various sectors, investors can take more strategic control of their portfolio. If employment in certain industries is growing, there could be investment opportunities in the firms within that industry.

The bond market will rally (fall) when the employment situation shows weakness (strength). The equity market often rallies with the bond market on weak data because low interest rates are good for stocks. But sometimes the two markets move in opposite directions. After all, a healthy labor market should be favorable for the stock market because it supports economic growth and corporate profits. At the same time, bond traders are more concerned about the potential for inflationary pressures.

The unemployment rate rises during cyclical downturns and falls during periods of rapid economic growth. A rising unemployment rate is associated with a weak or contracting economy and declining interest rates. Conversely, a decreasing unemployment rate is associated with an expanding economy and potentially rising interest rates. The fear is that wages will accelerate if the unemployment rate becomes too low and workers are hard to find.