U.S. job growth slowed more than expected in January after robust gains in the prior two months, but a 4.0% unemployment rate probably will give the Federal Reserve cover to hold off cutting interest rates at least until June.

U.S. employers added 143,000 jobs last month, somewhat fewer than forecast, while unemployment fell to 4 percent and hourly earnings rose.

Friday’s report provided evidence of slowing expansion. The 143,000 jobs added would be the weakest January total since 2016. January is the ninth consecutive month of at least 4% unemployment, after the U.S. spent all of Feb. 2022 to April 2024 below that mark.

U.S. job growth likely slowed in January, partly restrained by wild fires in California and cold weather across much of the country.

Job growth in the US slowed last month but unemployment remained low, in a sign of a solid, if more subdued economy. Employers added 143,000 jobs in January, while the unemployment rate slipped to 4% from 4.1%, according to the Labor Department report.

Weather conditions once again created significant headwinds for U.S. workers as job growth slowed more than expected in January. Employers added 143,000 jobs to nonfarm payrolls in January, according to the latest data published Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The unemployment rate, which is derived from a separate survey, declined to 4% from 4.1% the prior month. Economists expected the unemployment rate to remain unchanged. Average hourly earnings increased 0.5% in January, which was higher than forecast.

U.S. job growth slowed more than expected in January, likely restrained by wildfires in California and cold weather across much of the country, but a 4.0% unemployment rate probably gives the Federal Reserve cover to hold off cutting interest rates at least until June.