Fedxa0Chairxa0Powellxa0says the job market is still strong. Here's what to know about the numbers

On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will deliver the first jobs report for 2024, providing insights into the strength of the US economy despite rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. Economists expect a monthly gain of 176,500 jobs and a slight increase in the unemployment rate to 3.8%. The January jobs report is challenging to forecast due to seasonal adjustments and the impact of warmer weather in December. However, some experts anticipate an upside surprise in the numbers. The report will also include a review of payroll data and revisions to household survey data.