September U.S. jobs report expected to show slower growth

The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the September nonfarm payrolls report on Friday morning, giving a fresh reading on the U.S. labor market. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expect employers added 84,000 jobs in September, while the unemployment rate likely held at 4.1%. The report comes after an August gain of 162,000 jobs and a year marked by uneven monthly hiring. Although payroll growth has slowed from earlier trends, the unemployment rate remains near a level many economists view as consistent with full employment. Federal Reserve officials have said the labor market still looks stable and are paying close attention to inflation. Recent comments from Fed policymakers suggested less urgency to raise rates again at the end of October, with markets now seeing a December move as more likely. At the same time, surveys show worker confidence remains weak and concerns about job security persist.