The September jobs report is finally coming out Thursday. Here's what it is expected to show

Core Insights - The upcoming jobs report is expected to show a slight improvement in the labor market, with a forecasted gain of 50,000 jobs in September, up from 22,000 in August, indicating a soft labor market overall [3][10] - The report will be the first official jobs data released since the government shutdown, providing some insights for investors and policymakers, although it may not significantly alter the current economic outlook [2][4] - The Federal Reserve is cautious about making decisions based on limited data, with Fed Chair Jerome Powell describing the current situation as "driving in the fog" [4][8] Labor Market Data - The unemployment rate is projected to remain at 4.3%, with average hourly earnings increasing by 0.3% month-over-month and 3.7% year-over-year, consistent with previous months [1] - The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will not release an October jobs report separately, combining it with the November report, which has been delayed to December 16 [6] - Goldman Sachs anticipates a total of 80,000 jobs created in September but predicts a decline of 50,000 jobs in October due to the expiration of a federal program [8][9] Economic Outlook - Economists suggest that the September report and revisions for July and August may indicate a slightly brighter outlook than previously assumed, although the overall economic conditions remain uncertain [2][10] - The BLS has updated its release schedule for various data points, reflecting the ongoing challenges in accurately assessing the labor market due to the recent government shutdown [5][7] - Other indicators, such as private payroll data and layoff announcements, are being monitored to gauge the labor market's status amid the uncertainty [7]