TOTAL VOLUME:
$124b
24H VOL:
$82,345,145
24H TRANSACTIONS:
2,121,338,658
OPEN INTEREST:
$1,285,568,173
364,467
Markets across
33,191
events
MATCHED EVENTS:
3,073
PLATFORM COVERAGE:
5
Polymarket:
41%
VS.
Kalshi:
59%
Time left: 22d:04h:55m
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This group forecasts the September 2026 US unemployment rate, as measured by the U-3 statistic reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The markets ask various questions about whether the rate will fall above or below specific thresholds, or equal to a specific value.
This market will resolve according to the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (total unemployed, as a percent of the civilian labor force, official unemployment rate denoted as U-3) reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Employment Situation Report for September 2026. The resolution source for this market is the Monthly Employment Situation Report, published by the BLS every month at https://www.bls.gov/bls/news-release/empsit.htm, specifically the U-3 measure in Table A-15 for the month in question. The relevant data release is scheduled for October 2, 2026, at 8:30 AM ET. This market will resolve as soon as the relevant data is issued. Any revisions to the data after the first release will not count toward this market's resolution. If no data for the specified month is released by the date the next month's data is scheduled to be released, this market will resolve based on data from the last available month. Note: the resolution source for this market reports unemployment to one decimal point. Thus, this is the level of precision that will be used when resolving the market.
Resolution depends on the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (U-3) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Employment Situation Report for September 2026. The event employs a tiered threshold structure with eleven distinct levels ranging from 3.7% to 5.0%. Each threshold represents a separate resolution point; if the reported rate exceeds any given threshold, that market resolves to Yes. The actual reported rate determines which thresholds are exceeded and thus which markets resolve affirmatively.
Prediction market odds often offer a different perspective than traditional analyst forecasts. While analysts rely on economic models and surveys, this market reflects the collective judgment of traders who have skin in the game. These traders are incentivized to accurately predict the September unemployment rate, leading to potentially more accurate forecasts. Discrepancies can arise due to differing methodologies, biases, or access to information. It’s valuable to consider both prediction market probabilities and expert opinions when forming your own view on the economic outlook.
Prices on Polymarket and Kalshi may diverge due to several factors. Trading volume can vary significantly between the platforms, influencing price discovery. Different user bases and risk appetites can also contribute to discrepancies. Polymarket and Kalshi can show different implied probabilities for the same outcome because of liquidity, fee structure, participant mix, and how each venue defines the contract. Furthermore, each platform has its own fee structure and liquidity provisions, which can impact trading behavior. These factors create independent price signals, even for the same underlying event, making it possible to find arbitrage opportunities or differing perspectives on the likely outcome for the September unemployment rate.
This market resolves around Oct 2, 2026, with the outcome confirmed once the event is verifiable from credible public reporting. The official unemployment rate for September, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), will determine the result. Traders will be able to see the final outcome and how it aligns with their predictions. The resolution will be based on the U-3 unemployment rate, a standard measure of joblessness in the United States, ensuring a clear and objective determination of the market’s outcome.
Several key signals could influence trading activity in this market. Preliminary economic data releases, such as the August jobs report and weekly jobless claims, will provide early indicators of labor market conditions. Any unexpected announcements regarding monetary policy from the Federal Reserve could also have a significant impact. Geopolitical events or unforeseen economic shocks could introduce volatility and shift trader sentiment. Ultimately, any information that alters expectations about the September unemployment rate has the potential to move this market before Oct 2, 2026.