Delayed September jobs report shows U.S. economy added 119,000 jobs, more than expected

Employment Growth - Non-farm payrolls increased by 119,000 in September, the highest since April's 158,000 increase [1] - The previous month's (August) job growth was revised down from 22,000 to a loss of 4,000 jobs [1] Unemployment Rate - The unemployment rate unexpectedly rose from 43% to 44% [1] - The last time the unemployment rate was at or above this level was in October 2021, at 45% [2] Labor Force Participation - The labor force participation rate increased to 624%, matching the level in May [2] - To find a higher labor force participation rate, one must go back to April of this year, when it was 626% [2] Average Hourly Earnings - Month-over-month average hourly earnings increased by 021% [3] - This increase is considered weak, as expectations were for a 03% increase, and the June increase was 02% [3] - A lower month-over-month increase was last seen in August 2023, at 011% [3] - Year-over-year average hourly earnings increased from 37% to 38% [3] - This 38% increase is the highest since July's 39% increase [3] - The high water mark for year-over-year average hourly earnings for the year remains at 39%, observed for four months [3]