Fresh government data released this morning shows the U.S. labor market added 119,000 jobs in September, a figure that surpassed analyst expectations despite a concurrent rise in the unemployment rate to 4.4%. the report offers a mixed signal for the Federal Reserve as it weighs future interest rate decisions, and arrives as Congress faces a rapidly approaching deadline to avert a government shutdown. This jobs report reflects data collected before the full effects of recent economic headwinds – including rising energy prices and ongoing supply chain disruptions – were fully realized.
U.S. employers added 119,000 jobs in September, exceeding market expectations, while the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4%, according to newly released government data. The report suggests a stabilizing U.S. labor market ahead of a potential government shutdown.
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  Private sector employment increased by 97,000, also surpassing forecasts.
  The unemployment rate reached its highest level in roughly four years.
  Average hourly earnings increased 0.2% for the month, slightly below the expected 0.3% gain, and were up 3.8% year-over-year, compared to 3.7% in the same period last year.
  Detailed statistics are available in the table above.
Original article: US Employers Add 119,000 Jobs, Unemployment Rate Rises (1) (excerpt)
— Reporting assistance from Julia Fanzeres, Chris Middleton and Molly Smith
(Further details will be added and updated)